strong arm
Force through intimidation
Strong arm describes the use of force, threats, or intimidation to compel compliance.
As a verb, to strong-arm someone is to coerce them through physical or psychological pressure: They strong-armed the witness into changing her testimony.
As an adjective, it modifies tactics or methods: strong-arm tactics, strong-arm robbery.
The image is of someone using literal physical strength to overpower resistance.
- muscleContractile body tissue
- hired musclePaid physical intimidation
- forceStrength or compulsion
- brute forcePower over technique
- coerceObtain by intimidation
intimidate · lean on · bully · flex · bicep · power · threaten · enforce · pressure · thug · brute · grip · iron grip · squeeze · wrestle · iron · fist · dominate
- persuasion tacticscharm, butter up, flattery, flatter, coax
- power idiomspull strings, hold sway, call the shots, throw weight around, power play
- machomachismo, macho man, alpha male, tough guy, bravado
- dominatorsdictator, tyrant, despot, autocrat, overlord
- powerauthority, electric power, nuclear power, solar power, wind power
- hired fightersmercenary, soldier of fortune, gun for hire, hired gun, sellsword
strong armdiplomacy
Negotiation between nations
persuasion · sweet-talk · finesse · tact · kid gloves
strong armconsensus-building
Creating widespread agreement
collaboration · democratic process · due process · rule of law · consent