up in arms
Meaning
Extremely angry or upset and ready to protest or oppose something.
Origin
From the literal image of raising arms to fight or take up weapons (related to 'take up arms'); used figuratively from the 18thβ19th century to mean ready to protest or fight.
Notes
Negative, expresses anger or protest. Common in informal and news contexts; can appear in formal writing but implies strong disapproval.
Examples
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Parents are up in arms about the new school policy.
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The community was up in arms after the factory announced layoffs.
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Environmentalists are up in arms over the proposed highway expansion.
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Students were up in arms when the exam dates were changed.
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Investors went up in arms about the company's opaque accounting.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually predicative: 'be up in arms (about/over/against)'. Often follows causative verbs ('had/left X up in arms'). Not used as a transitive verb; word order is fixed.
Synonyms
- outraged
- furious
- incensed
- infuriated
- angry
- upset
Antonyms
- calm
- unconcerned
- placid
- complacent
- satisfied