1 B2 informal
To acquire or distribute weapons in preparation for conflict.
"Both sides began arming up in response to the rising border tensions."
inseparable
arm up
B2 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
To equip oneself or others with weapons, or to build up military or defensive capability.
In plain English
Get weapons ready, or prepare to fight.
What does "arm up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To equip oneself with tools or knowledge in preparation for a challenge (figurative).
"She armed herself up with data and case studies before presenting to the board."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To raise up one's arms (weapons) in preparation.
Actually means
Get weapons ready, or prepare to fight.
Usage tip
Used both literally (acquiring weapons) and figuratively (preparing for conflict or competition). Common in news reporting on conflicts. The reflexive sense ('arm themselves up') is also seen.
Words that pair with "arm up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
militias forces population rebels nation civilians
How to conjugate "arm up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
arm up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
arms up
he/she/it
Past simple
armed up
yesterday
Past participle
armed up
have + pp
-ing form
arming up
continuous
Hear "arm up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "arm up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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