under arms
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At the height of the Cold War, Germany had more than half a million personnel under arms - but always within Nato and under US supervision.
From BBC ● Mar. 27, 2026
At the same time, the Spartans drilled so incessantly, and were constantly under arms, because they were afraid the Helots would revolt.
From Slate ● Jan. 16, 2024
It is carried home by millions each day under arms or strapped to the back of bicycles.
From New York Times ● Nov. 30, 2022
Abraham Lincoln was first to institute the draft, putting 1 million men under arms to fight the Civil War.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 22, 2017
On foot and swiftly he went up toward the stockade where swine were penned in hundreds, and at night the guardian of the swine, the forester, slept under arms on duty for his masters.
From "The Odyssey" by Homer
