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Difference between Put one’s hands on someone and Put the arm on someone

admin Confusing Phrases

put one’s hands on someone —(also: lay one’s hands on someone) 

1. seize or arrest a person:

  • The police will soon put their hands on the jewel thieves.

2. physically abuse a person:

  • If I could put my hands on the swine who informed on me, he wouldn’t do any more spying for a long time.

put the arm on someone—(coll.)

1. demand money, etc. of a person:

  • The lights on the football field need to be replaced. So they put the arm on the alumni, raise enough money, and get the job done.

2. apply pressure to a person:

  • Pett has put the arm on him for a show of solidarity, which Sam elected to promise, evidently without meaning to.