twist someone's arm
Persuade through persistence
To twist someone's arm is to pressure or persuade them, usually through persistent urging rather than force: I didn't want to go, but she twisted my arm.
The phrase often appears in mock reluctance: Well, if you twist my arm, I'll have another drink.
The image is of applying just enough pressure to compel agreement.
- convinceCause to believe
- pressurizeIncrease internal air force
- put the squeeze onCoerce through pressure
- compelForce to act
- cajolePersuade through flattery
apply pressure · hard sell · persuade · force · intimidate · strong-arm · manipulate · insist · leverage · urge · nudge · wear down · lean on · coercion · browbeat · demand · blackmail · push back
twist someone's armtake no for an answer
Cease pursuing after rejection
back off · let it go · let someone off the hook · non-interference
twist, twisted, twisting, disarm, twisty, twists, twister, unarmed, disarming