call to arms

call to arms {v. phr.}

To summon into the army.

During World War II millions of Americans were called to arms to fight for their country.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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up in arms

[up in arms] {adj. phr.} 1. Equipped with guns or weapons and ready to fight. * /All of the colonies were up in arms against the Redcoats./ Syn.: [IN ARMS]. […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

take up arms

[take up arms] {v. phr.}, {literary} To get ready to fight; fight or make war. * /The people were quick to take up arms to defend their freedom./ * /The […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

in arms

[in arms] {adv. phr.} Having guns and being ready to fight; armed. * /When our country is at war, we have many men in arms./ Syn.: [UP IN ARMS] A Dictionary of American Idioms

lay down one's arms

[lay down one's arms] {v. phr.} To cease fighting; surrender. * /The Civil War ended when the Confederate army finally laid down its arms./ A Dictionary of American Idioms

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