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

Two million Americans under arms and 14 events.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2020

Abraham Lincoln was first to institute the draft, putting 1 million men under arms to fight the Civil War.

From Washington Post • Sep. 22, 2017

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