twist arm
Apply persuasive force
To twist someone's arm is to pressure or persuade them, usually to do something they're reluctant to do.
The phrase evokes physical coercion but typically describes social pressure: I didn't want to go, but she twisted my arm.
Often used ironically when little persuasion was actually needed: Well, if you're offering free drinks, I guess you could twist my arm.
- persuadeCause to believe
- hard sellAggressive sales approach
- coerceObtain by intimidation
- pressureForce upon contact
- forceStrength or compulsion
apply pressure · convince · manipulate · behind the scenes · leverage · strongarm · bully · influence · intimidate · negotiate · quid pro quo · insist · demand · do me a favor · armlock · wrestle · grip · wrench
- power idiomspull strings, hold sway, call the shots, throw weight around, power play
- persuasionpersuade, persuasion, persuasive, convince, convincing