Phrase guide

up in arms

adj · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Angry; incensed; preparing for a fight.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, not-comparable

Examples

  • Near-synonym: in the streets
  • The union members are up in arms over threats of pay cuts.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: in the streets

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Vigourously protesting against something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, not-comparable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adj

Meaning 3

Armed for battle; prepared for or engaged in warfare.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable, uncommon

Qualifier: literal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From a now-obsolete sense of up (“in revolt”).