put the arm on someone
put the arm on (one)
To ask or pressure one for a loan or donation of money. Jane's good-for-nothing brother always comes skulking around our place every couple of weeks to put the arm on us for a few bucks. The alumni association of my old university puts the arm on me once or twice a year looking for a donation.
See also: arm, on, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
put the arm on someone
AMERICANIf you put the arm on someone, you try to force them to do what you want. I know you got Cotter to put the arm on Lillian. Women like you are not only writing checks, but you're putting the arm on other people to give as well.
See also: arm, on, put, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
put the arm on someone
1. tv. to demand something of someone, especially money. I know Tom wants some money. He put the arm on me, but I said no.
2. tv. to arrest someone. (Underworld.) They put the arm on Bart for pushing pills.
See also: arm, on, put, someone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- put the arm on
- put the arm on (one)
- put the arm/bite on somebody
- put the touch on (one)
- put the bite on
- put the bite on (one)
- put the bite on someone
- put the bee on (someone)
- no-count
- older brother