take up arms

Idioms  

1. Also, take up the cudgels. Become involved in a conflict, either physical or verbal, as in The Kurds took up arms against the Iranians at least two centuries ago, or Some believe it's the vice-president's job to take up the cudgels for the president. The first term originated in the 1400s in the sense of going to war. The variant, alluding to cudgels as weapons, has been used figuratively since the mid-1600s and is probably obsolescent.

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Example Sentences

Another survey found 59% said they probably or definitely wouldn’t take up arms to defend their country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

As he removes his gas mask, Bartek says he thinks most Poles "will take up arms" if attacked, "and be ready to defend the country."

From BBC • May 2, 2025

But his swift decision to take up arms was a warning to us all.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2024

And his military reservists are now, understandably, ready to take up arms to defend their country.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2023

On the first form, I answer several variations on the questions of whether I’m a communist, a criminal, or a terrorist and whether I would take up arms to defend the United States.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

Related Words

• defy
• overthrow
• renounce
• resist
• revolt
• secede