shot in the arm

USAGE SUMMARY

"shot in the arm" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that gives a person or group a sudden boost or increase in motivation, energy, or success. The phrase often carries a positive connotation. Example: "The new funding for the project was a real shot in the arm for the team, and they were able to complete it ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was a shot in the arm.

The New York Times

Indiana certainly could use an economic shot in the arm.

Princeton University

Hopefully I can give a shot in the arm.

The New York Times

"That was an emotional shot in the arm for me".

The New Yorker

Trade policy also urgently needs a shot in the arm.

The New York Times

UK Uncut's arguments received a simultaneous shot in the arm.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a shot in the arm for him, and a huge a shot in the arm for us.

The New York Times

That could be a shot in the arm for Goa.

The Guardian

"It's a shot in the arm," said Regan.

The Guardian

It's the shot in the arm the fans wanted".

The New York Times - Sports

"This was a shot in the arm," Ms. Creighton said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. While widely understood, idioms can lose their impact if overused or if the audience is unfamiliar with colloquial expressions.

Common error

Avoid combining the idiom "shot in the arm" with other conflicting metaphors. For instance, saying something like "It's a shot in the arm that poured fuel on the fire" creates a confusing image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shot in the arm" functions as an idiomatic noun phrase. It acts as a metaphor for something that provides a sudden and beneficial boost or stimulus. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts to describe positive impacts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "shot in the arm" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that provides a sudden and beneficial boost or stimulus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across a range of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the audience and context to determine if a more formal alternative is preferable. Use this phrase to effectively convey a sense of positive impact and revitalization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boost

This is a more general term referring to a positive increase or encouragement. Lacks the vivid imagery of an injection.

pick-me-up

Informal term for something that improves your mood or energy levels, often temporary.

revitalization

Focuses on bringing something back to a healthy or active state.

stimulus

A general term for something that encourages activity or development.

impetus

Focuses on providing the initial force or motivation for something, rather than ongoing support.

morale booster

Specifically improves the attitude and confidence of a group or individual.

fillip

Suggests a small but noticeable stimulus. More formal and less common.

fresh impetus

Suggests a renewal of motivation or energy after a period of stagnation.

incentive

Emphasizes providing a reason or motivation to do something.

economic stimulus

Related but specifically used for economic policies that give an impetus to the economy.

FAQs

How can I use "shot in the arm" in a sentence?

You can use "shot in the arm" to describe something that provides a boost, such as: "The new marketing campaign was a real "shot in the arm" for sales."

What are some synonyms for "shot in the arm"?

Alternatives to "shot in the arm" include "boost", "impetus", or "stimulus" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "shot in the arm" an appropriate phrase for formal writing?

While "shot in the arm" is widely understood, it's generally more suited to informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using a more direct alternative like "boost" or "stimulus".

What does it mean when someone says something is a "shot in the arm"?

It means that something is giving renewed energy, enthusiasm, or success to a person, organization, or activity. It's like a revitalizing injection that has a positive impact.