ONE ARM Meaning and
Definition
-
One arm is a term used to describe a physical condition or situation where an individual possesses only a single fully functional arm, while the other arm may be absent, amputated, or disabled in some way. This condition can be the result of congenital limb differences, traumatic injuries, or medical conditions affecting the arm.
People who are one-armed often face unique challenges as they navigate daily activities that require the use of both hands. They may adapt to their condition by developing alternative techniques and strategies to perform tasks typically done with two arms, such as tying shoelaces, writing, cooking, or driving.
In sports, the term "one arm" refers to a classification or category in adaptive and para-athletics, where athletes with a functional arm impairment compete. These individuals participate in various sports competitions, including swimming, weightlifting, archery, and many others, using their remaining arm to overcome the challenges posed by their condition.
Furthermore, the expression "one-arm bandit" is commonly used in gambling to refer to a slot machine with a single lever, typically located on the side, that players pull to activate the spinning of the reels. This colloquialism originates from the historical design of early slot machines, which required players to manually operate the lever using one arm.
Etymology of ONE ARM
The term "one arm" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "one" and "arm".
- "One" comes from the Old English word "ān", which was spelled as "ān" or "an". It has connections to related words in other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "ein", Old Frisian "ēn", and Old High German "ein", all meaning "one" or "alone". The word "one" has remained largely unchanged in its meaning and pronunciation over the centuries.
- "Arm" comes from the Old English word "earm", which was spelled as "earm" or "arm". This word had its roots in the Proto-Germanic "armaz" and the Proto-Indo-European "h₂erǵʰ-", which meant "shoulder" or "upper arm".
Idioms with the word ONE ARM
-
could (do something) with one arm tied behind (one's) back
The idiom "could (do something) with one arm tied behind (one's) back" means being able to accomplish a task or activity with great ease or skill, often implying that it is so simple that it could be done even under difficult circumstances. It is typically used to describe someone's exceptional ability or proficiency in a particular area.
-
with one arm tied behind one's back
To do something with one arm tied behind one's back means to do something easily or without much effort.
-
sb could do sth with one arm/hand tied behind their back
This idiom means that someone is extremely skilled or talented at something and could easily accomplish a task even if faced with a significant handicap or obstacle.
-
could do with one arm tied behind back
This idiom is used to describe someone who is very skilled or proficient at something, to the point where they could still perform well even if facing additional challenges or obstacles.
