take up the cudgel(s) for (someone or something)

take up the cudgel(s) for (someone or something)

To defend, show strong support for, or argue on behalf of someone or something. The phrase can also be worded as "take up cudgels on behalf of (someone or something)." People from across the country are taking up cudgels for the young man being held by police. He's got plenty of money to hire a proper legal team. I don't think he needs the likes of us taking up the cudgel for him.
See also: take, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take up the ˈcudgels for somebody/something

,

take up the cudgels on behalf of somebody/something

(old-fashioned, written) start to defend or support somebody/something: The local newspapers have taken up the cudgels on behalf of the woman who was unfairly dismissed from her job because she was pregnant.
A cudgel is a short thick stick that is used as a weapon.
See also: cudgel, somebody, something, take, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • take up the cudgels for somebody/something
  • take up the cudgel(s) on behalf of (someone or something)
  • take up the cudgel(s)
  • keep (someone or something) for (someone or something)
  • keep for
  • intercede with (someone or something)
  • procure
  • procure (something) for
  • convey (something) from (someone or something)
  • mouthpiece