arm-twisting

American  

[ahrm-twis-ting] / ˈɑrmˌtwɪs tɪŋ /

Or armtwisting

noun

1. the use of threat, coercion, or other forms of pressure and persuasion to achieve one's purpose.

   It took a lot of arm-twisting but he finally agreed to work this weekend.

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Etymology

Origin of arm-twisting

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

In Westminster a lot of power is derived from patronage, as well as feelings of loyalty to a party, plus occasional warnings, threats and arm-twisting.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2025

After some arm-twisting by Mottola, the Recording Academy invited Martin to perform at the 41st Grammy Awards.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2024

But in this case, the means of control is not legislation but behind-the scenes arm-twisting and threatened legal reprisals by government officials.

From Slate • Nov. 13, 2023

“He was very good at making it in people’s interests to be cooperating with him. I don’t know if he did arm-twisting exactly. It was implicit, I would say.”

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2023

“It took endless arm-twisting to get the French authorities to release the blueprints to make these sets. And while we believe they are exact, we don’t know for certain what’s in here.”

From "City Spies" by James Ponti