strong arm—
1. the use of superior power or physical force:
- He assured the people that any attempt at lawlessness would be put down with a strong arm.
2. (also: strong-arm man) a person employed as a bodyguard:
- He was a strong arm for bookies, collecting debts from people who had owed money for too long.
strong hand—
1. = strong arm 1:
- Parliament has given us the powers to put down Fifth Column activities with a strong hand.
2. (Cards) a card of high and commanding value:
- With a very strong hand, a player may bid to Schwartz his opponents, that is, prevent them from making a single point.