Shot in the arm

Meaning

The idiom "shot in the arm" means a sudden and significant boost or improvement. It can also mean a positive development or progress that provides motivation or encouragement. The phrase is derived from the medical procedure of injecting a substance into the bloodstream, which can bring relief or revitalization to the body.

Usage

• "Getting my first job out of college felt like a shot in the arm after months of searching."
• "The new promotion gave me a boost of confidence and made me feel like I had been given a shot in the arm."
• "Receiving positive feedback on my project was like a shot in the arm when I was feeling down."
• "Joining a new fitness class has energized me and felt like a shot in the arm after months of slacking off."
• "The pandemic has affected us all, but receiving vaccination has been a shot in the arm and brought hope for the future."

Roots and History

The idiom "shot in the arm" dates back to the 19th century. One of the earliest known uses of this expression can be traced back to 1870 in the novel "The Complete Perils of Pauline" by James Montgomery Plimpton. However, it has since become a common phrase used in everyday language to describe a sudden and significant change or improvement. The idiom has no regional variations and is commonly understood globally.

Synonyms in English

• Boost
• Surge
• Bolt of inspiration
• Injection of motivation
• A breath of fresh air

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Charge de sang" (Rush of blood)
• German: "Schuss von Energie" (Shot of energy)
• Spanish: "Cuerpo electrolítico" (Electrolyte injection)
• Italian: "Iniezione di motivazione" (Motivational injection)
• French: "Relève de la motivation" (Relief of motivation)

Similar Idioms

• sell like hot cakes

• stormy relationship

• sticky fingers