What is the Origin of the Idiom ‘A Shot in the Arm’?

A shot in the arm means something that gives new energy or enthusiasm; something that gives encouragement or motivation.

In this phrase, the word ‘Shot’ refers to the injection of drugs or medicine. Injection of drugs stimulates a person and fills him with renewed energy and vigor.

Metaphorically, if something gives new energy or encouragement to an operation or project, you can say that it was like a shot in the arm.

For example —

‘Your donation is a shot in the arm for us in our research to eradicate cancer.’

It means your donation has given us much-needed fuel and energy in our research to eliminate cancer.

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Hi, I am Gauri Shanker, a Vocab teacher and enthusiast. I teach vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. You can check out my courses here.