English Profile

arm · noun C

/ɑrm/Full view

arm (BODY)

A1 the long part at each side of the human body, ending in a hand

Dictionary examples:

My arms ache from carrying this bag.

She put/threw her arms around me, and hugged me to her.

He took/held her in his arms.

Learner example:

I've a Tennis racket that I bought a year ago. I want to sell it because I've broken my arm. (Key English Test; A2; Italian)

arm (CHAIR)

C2 the part of a chair where your arm rests

Dictionary example:

The chair didn't have any arms.

Learner example:

It appears to me that the leather covering the left arm of the sofa has been pierced with some sharp object. (International English Language Testing System; C2; Marathi)

arm in arm

C2 with your arm gently supporting or being supported by someone else's arm

Dictionary example:

They walked through the park, arm in arm.

Learner example:

We often walked around the playground arm in arm. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Korean)

(keep sb) at arm's length

C2 to not allow someone to become too friendly with you

Dictionary example:

I always had the feeling she was keeping me at arm's length.

Learner example:

At first she keeps them at arm's length, but Mr. Emerson is direct and advises Lucy to behave in a more natural way instead of doing what some old ladies say. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)