Under Arms for Dummies

Hey there! I'm happy to help explain the meaning of "under arms" to you in a way that is easy to understand. So, "under arms" is actually an idiomatic expression, which means it's a phrase that has a special meaning that may not be immediately clear when you look at the individual words. It's like a secret code that people use to communicate with each other.

When someone says "under arms," it typically means that something is being held or carried under the arms. Imagine you are holding a big stack of books or a heavy bag of groceries, and you have to support them by placing them under your arms. That would be an example of something being under your arms.

However, "under arms" can also have another meaning. In a military context, it can refer to soldiers who are carrying weapons, such as rifles or swords, in a position where they are ready to use them. This is like a metaphorical shield or protection that soldiers have while being prepared to defend themselves or attack if needed.

To further clarify, think of the idiom as a secret handshake between those who know what it means. It's a way for people to talk about something in a discreet or hidden manner, without being too obvious. It's like having a hidden pocket where you can keep something important or valuable.

In summary, "under arms" means something is being held or carried under the arms, or it can refer to soldiers who are prepared for combat. It's like having a hidden pocket or a secret code that people use to communicate.