accepted with open arms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accepted with open arms" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a warm and enthusiastic welcome or reception of someone or something. Example: "When she returned to her hometown after many years, she was accepted with open arms by her old friends and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

You're accepted with open arms.

The New York Times

He was not a party member, was not registered to vote and lived in Spain – but he was accepted with open arms.

The Guardian

I was hoping that someone would point out that in the time of Tony Blair, Shaun Woodward, a multimillionaire Tory MP, crossed over to the Labour benches and was accepted with open arms.

The Guardian

I can't imagine a festival that was perceived as a celebration of Black and Latino, Gay music would be held in Georgia and accepted with open arms.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At first glance, all of the things listed above seem like blessings that anyone would GLADLY accept, with open arms.

Huffington Post

"Springfield Gardens accepted you with open arms".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's the only president who has ever accepted us with open arms," said Rosa Rodríguez, 48, as she shopped in a government-subsidized market.

The New York Times

The college I chose to attend accepted me with open arms and although it's one of the oldest colleges, they were willing to make changes for me.

Huffington Post

When I race, I not only bask in the goodness of God and run for a country that accepted me with open arms, I also tell the story of young boys and girls who continue to struggle in my birth country of South Sudan.

Huffington Post

A group of unaccompanied Syrian teenagers who have sought safety in the UK have made an impassioned plea for Britons to accept them "with open arms, not with racism and hate" and help hundreds of other minors who are stuck in France.

The Guardian

The Syrian people themselves have taken notice of the West's efforts to accept refugees with open arms.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accepted with open arms" to convey a sense of warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine welcome. This phrase works best when describing situations where someone or something is readily and happily embraced by a group or community.

Common error

Avoid using "accepted with open arms" when the reception is merely polite or neutral. This phrase implies a high degree of enthusiasm and genuine welcome, so ensure the context reflects that level of positivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accepted with open arms" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes the manner in which someone or something is received. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a warm and enthusiastic welcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "accepted with open arms" effectively conveys a warm, enthusiastic welcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely understood. Predominantly used in News & Media, it suggests a reception characterized by genuine inclusion and approval. While its usage is generally neutral, avoid employing it in highly formal or technical contexts. For alternatives, consider phrases like "welcomed wholeheartedly" or "embraced warmly". Remember to reserve this phrase for situations genuinely reflecting a high degree of enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Welcomed wholeheartedly

Emphasizes the completeness and sincerity of the welcome.

Embraced warmly

Focuses on the affectionate nature of the acceptance.

Given a warm reception

Highlights the positive and friendly nature of the welcome.

Received enthusiastically

Stresses the eagerness and excitement in the reception.

Taken to heart

Indicates deep and genuine acceptance.

Made to feel at home

Focuses on creating a sense of belonging and comfort.

Given full membership

Emphasizes complete inclusion and participation.

Integrated seamlessly

Highlights the ease and smoothness of the acceptance process.

Given the keys to the city

An idiomatic expression for bestowing the highest level of welcome or honour.

Had the red carpet rolled out

An idiomatic expression to emphasize a welcoming or celebratory event.

FAQs

How can I use "accepted with open arms" in a sentence?

You can use "accepted with open arms" to describe how someone or something was warmly welcomed, for example: "When she returned to her hometown, she was "accepted with open arms" by her friends and family".

What does it mean to be "accepted with open arms"?

To be "accepted with open arms" means to be welcomed very warmly and enthusiastically. It suggests a positive and inclusive reception.

Which is a more appropriate phrase, "accepted with open arms" or "tolerated"?

The phrase "accepted with open arms" indicates a positive and enthusiastic welcome, while "tolerated" suggests endurance or acceptance without genuine enthusiasm. The choice depends on the context of the situation you are describing.

What can I say instead of "accepted with open arms"?

You can use alternatives like "welcomed wholeheartedly", "embraced warmly", or "given a warm reception" depending on the nuance you want to convey.