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A shot in the arm

A shot in the arm

Meaning

A boost or encouragement.

Examples

I was out on my feet after ten miles’ running but seeing the kids cheering me on was a real shot in the arm.

Where did it originate?

USA, initially alluding to a shot of drugs but now used without that connotation.

Where is it used?

Worldwide, very commonly used.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
A shot in the arm

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