take up 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.

Journal cameras went inside the homes of LRU members to understand why regular Lithuanian citizens would take up arms and dedicate their free evenings and weekends to prepare for war.

From The Wall Street Journal

“To those who unfortunately took up arms against the country, we hope that our message of hope can soften their hearts,” said Mamadi Ouedraogo, one of the event’s Muslim organizers.

From Reuters

After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are now embroiled in conflict.

From Seattle Times

Many opposition figures and activists see the election as a sham and some have joined a shadow government that seeks to undermine the military, or have taken up arms with a resistance movement.

From Reuters

With no help from the police, the farmers took up arms and set off on a long and arduous fight to protect their village and conserve the butterfly habitats.

From Washington Post