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

The CIAestimates that the Islamic State had perhaps 20,000 to 30,000 fighters under arms in 2014.

From Salon • Jan. 20, 2016

With at least 20,000 under arms, it is one of the largest rebel armies in Asia.

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2013

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