shots in the arm
Injections or encouragements
Shots in the arm are things that provide renewed energy, encouragement, or momentum.
The metaphor comes from medical injections—a quick intervention that revives or strengthens: The funding was a shot in the arm for the struggling nonprofit.
Often used for financial boosts, morale lifts, or anything that reinvigorates a flagging effort.
- moraleGroup emotional well-being
- boostUpward push or increase
- energy boostIncrease in vigor
- nurseHealthcare provider, bedside
- immunizationProtective medical injection
stimulus · pep talk · rejuvenation · second wind · vaccine · uplift · fresh start · new lease on life · fillip · catalyst · spark · syringe · encouragement · injection · pick-me-up · sting · inoculation · tonic
shots in the armsetbacks
Reversals of progress
blows · body blows · kicks in the teeth · slaps in the face · death knells
shots in the armroadblocks
Obstructions blocking forward movement
stumbling blocks · speed bumps · brick walls · dead ends · stalls
shots in the armdemoralizers
Those who undermine morale
discouragement · dampeners · wet blankets · cold water · buzzkills
shot, shots, arming, armless, shoot, shoots, shooting, shooter, shooters