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Difference between In arms and Up in arms

admin Confusing Phrases

in arms —(of people) armed; prepared to fight:

  • When their country is at war, they have many men in arms.

up in arms—

1. actively rebelling:

  • All of the colonies were up in arms against the Redcoats.

2. indignant over smth.; strongly protesting:

  • The country is up in arms over the denial of voting rights to the men and women serving overseas.