straight-arm

American  

[streyt-ahrm] / ˈstreɪtˌɑrm /

verb (used with object)

1. Football.  to push (a potential tackler) away by holding the arm out straight; stiff-arm.

2. to force, push, or fend off by or as if by holding out a stiff arm against obstacles.

   He straight-armed his way into the middle of the crowded room.

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noun

1. Football.  an act or instance of straight-arming.

straight-arm British  

adjective

1. rugby (of a tackle) performed with the arm fully extended

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verb

1. (tr) to ward off (an opponent) with the arm outstretched

Etymology

Origin of straight-arm

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

"This is a PR stunt," she told the court, referring to the hearing, at the start of which on Tuesday Breivik gave a straight-arm Nazi salute as he entered the courtroom.

From Reuters

Some people were filmed chasing foreigners through streets, while others were seen with Nazi-linked banners and giving the straight-arm salute.

From The Guardian

As he left the club that night, Mr. Kinsman had taunted protesters with a straight-arm salute and by making punching motions, video showed.

From New York Times

"I’m a member of the straight-arm club. … I just pretend that you have a cold and I have a cold. Join the straight-arm club with me."

From Fox News

"I'm a member of the straight-arm club," she said, extending a stiff arm out to demonstrate.

From Salon