throw (one's) arms up in frustration

throw (one's) arms up in frustration

1. To make a gesture physically indicating one's frustration and disbelief (about something.) We threw our arms up in frustration after they told us that our appointment had been rescheduled again for a third time. The computer crashed for the third time that day, and I threw my arms up in frustration.
2. To express or indicate that one gives up or submits to futility or failure. (Not necessarily done by literally putting one's arms in the air.) The student threw his arms up in frustration, claiming that the math problems were impossible to solve. Don't just throw your arms up in frustration—keep trying.
See also: arm, frustration, throw, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • frustration
  • throw (one's) hands up in frustration
  • shake (one's) fist at (someone or something)
  • shake your fist
  • not (one's) brother's keeper
  • not your brother's keeper
  • It sucks