arms spread wide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arms spread wide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gesture of openness, welcome, or embrace, often in a figurative or literal sense. Example: "As she stood on the cliff, arms spread wide, she felt a sense of freedom and connection to the world around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

At the end stands a smiling Henry, arms spread wide.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Messiah floated gently down Eighth Avenue, His arms spread wide, as if to hug mankind.

The New Yorker

Instead of dancing, Ware fell backward, powerless, arms spread wide, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

At other times he is like an intent rook - hunched or, his arms spread wide, flying.

The Guardian - Music

The man stood there, in his red and white shirt, his arms spread wide.

The New York Times - Sports

And so to this Harry: a loudmouth and a boor, arms spread wide in an engulfing hug.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

His arms were spread wide as he wore a dumbfounded look.

The New York Times - Sports

Her arms are spread wide, her hair's flying, the expression on her face is halfway between anger and fear.

The New Yorker

Her dancers, one by one, stepped out to freestyle, both in song and very African movement: they jerked their torsos downward, raised bent arms, spread limbs wide apart.

The New York Times - Arts

Too many telemark skiers have their arms spread out wide, and this makes it hard to keep your upper body facing the fall line.

WikiHow

Tracey has her arms stretched high and spread wide.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with action verbs that amplify the emotion being conveyed. For example: "He ran towards her, arms spread wide, ready to embrace."

Common error

Avoid using "arms spread wide" when the intended meaning is resistance or defense, as this phrase typically implies openness or welcome. Consider alternatives like "arms raised in defense" or "blocking with outstretched arms" if conveying resistance is the goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arms spread wide" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various descriptive contexts, as exemplified in the provided sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sports

25%

Arts

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arms spread wide" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that paints a picture of openness, welcome, or vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples across diverse sources like News & Media, Sports, and the Arts. While its register is generally neutral, it can evoke strong emotions depending on the context. When using this phrase, ensure the intention aligns with its typical meaning and consider alternatives like "with open arms" or "arms outstretched" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arms open wide

A more direct and simple alternative.

with open arms

Emphasizes the welcoming aspect more directly.

with arms wide open

Similar to "arms open wide", but includes "with".

arms outstretched

Focuses on the physical extension of the arms.

arms extended wide

Similar to "arms outstretched", but more descriptive.

arms held wide

Focuses on the action of holding the arms in a wide position.

embracing gesture

Highlights the act of embracing or welcoming.

in a welcoming pose

Describes the overall posture as welcoming.

expansive gesture

Highlights the broad and open nature of the gesture.

displaying openness

Focuses on the inferred meaning of gesture.

FAQs

How can I use "arms spread wide" in a sentence?

You can use "arms spread wide" to describe a gesture of welcome, openness, or embrace. For example, "The leader greeted the crowd, "arms spread wide", signaling acceptance and unity."

What does it mean when someone has their "arms spread wide"?

When someone has their "arms spread wide", it typically signifies welcome, invitation, or a desire to embrace. It can also represent surrender or a feeling of freedom, depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to saying "arms spread wide"?

Alternatives include "with open arms", "arms outstretched", or "arms extended wide". Each carries a slightly different nuance, but all suggest a gesture of openness or welcome.

Is "arms spread wide" a literal or figurative expression?

"Arms spread wide" can be used both literally and figuratively. Literally, it describes the physical position of the arms. Figuratively, it represents openness, acceptance, or a willingness to embrace something.