aram
A1/A2Neutral (common in all registers, from everyday to technical contexts).
Definition
Meaning
the upper limb of the human body from the shoulder to the hand; a part or extension resembling this limb in function or shape.
Also: a branch or division of a military force; a functional division of an organization; a weapon; the act of equipping or providing with weapons or tools (verb).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun primarily refers to the physical limb but has prolific metaphorical extensions (e.g., 'arm of the law,' 'arm of a chair,' 'an arm of the sea'). The verb 'to arm' (equip) is distinct but related via the weapon sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Minor spelling/phrasing: 'Holding one's arms' (UK) vs. 'Holding one's arms up' (US) can be a common difference in description.
Connotations
In UK military slang, 'arm' often part of specific names (e.g., 'Royal Armoured Corps'), but usage is identical.
Frequency
Both noun and verb are equally frequent in both variants.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
V + N: break one's armADJ + N: left/right armPREP + N: in my arms, on his armN + of + N: arm of the government, arm of a chairVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “arm in arm”
- “babe in arms”
- “cost an arm and a leg”
- “keep at arm's length”
- “twist someone's arm”
- “with open arms”
- “the long arm of the law”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The sales arm of the company is very effective."
Academic
"The executive arm of government implements the law."
Everyday
"She carried the baby in her arms."
Technical
"The robotic arm performed the task with precision."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government decided to arm the local police.
- They armed themselves with umbrellas against the rain.
American English
- The militia was heavily armed.
- She armed herself with the latest data for the meeting.
adjective
British English
- Arm movements are essential in swimming.
- They found an arm bone at the site.
American English
- He suffered an arm injury during the game.
- The arm rest on the sofa is broken.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a pain in my arm.
- She held the baby in her arms.
- He broke his arm playing football.
- They walked arm in arm along the beach.
- The research arm of the university published a new study.
- The country decided to arm its allies.
- The long arm of the law finally caught up with the fugitive.
- He was a right arm to the CEO, indispensable for daily operations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Your ARM connects your hand to your shoulder. Think of a strong ARM holding something – a weapon or a baby – both use the same word.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATIONS ARE BODIES: "arm of the government," "branch of a bank". TO EQUIP IS TO ARM: "armed with information".
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'army' (армия). The noun 'arm' is part of the body (рука) but specifically from shoulder to hand, not the whole hand (кисть). The verb 'to arm' means 'вооружать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hand' when meaning the whole arm (e.g., 'My hand hurts from shoulder to elbow' is incorrect). Incorrect plural: 'arms' is correct for both limbs and weapons.
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'arm of the law,' what does 'arm' metaphorically refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has many metaphorical uses, like 'arm of a chair,' 'arm of the sea,' or a division of an organization.
'Arm' refers to the limb from shoulder to wrist. 'Hand' is specifically from wrist to fingers.
Yes, 'to arm' means to equip or supply with weapons, tools, or knowledge (e.g., 'arm yourself with facts').
It means something is extremely expensive.