with open arms

USAGE SUMMARY

"with open arms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in any situation where you are welcoming someone or something with acceptance and enthusiasm. For example, "The community welcomed the new mayor with open arms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The companies take you with open arms.

The New York Times

With open arms we greet you, friends!

The New Yorker

"You are welcomed here with open arms".

The New York Times - Health

They should be welcomed with open arms.

The Economist

We wait for you with open arms.

The New Yorker

"Springfield Gardens accepted you with open arms".

The New York Times - Sports

"They welcome new players with open arms".

The New York Times

"We've been welcomed with open arms.

The New York Times - Sports

We were received with open arms".

The New York Times

Washington is welcoming him with open arms.

The New York Times

Welcoming Europe with open arms?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with open arms" when you want to convey a sense of genuine warmth, acceptance, and enthusiasm towards someone or something. For example, "The team welcomed the new player with open arms", indicating their immediate and positive acceptance of the newcomer.

Common error

Avoid using "with open arms" in contexts where a literal interpretation might be confusing or inappropriate. For instance, saying "The machine was repaired with open arms" doesn't make sense because it's meant for welcoming people or accepting ideas, not repairing objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with open arms" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It indicates a manner of welcoming, receiving, or accepting someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "with open arms" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that communicates a warm, enthusiastic welcome or acceptance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, though particularly common in news and media. To ensure clarity, avoid using it in situations where a literal interpretation might cause confusion. For alternatives, consider phrases like "warmly welcome" or "greet enthusiastically", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to reserve the phrase for welcoming people or ideas rather than inanimate objects or processes. The phrase maintains a neutral register, finding relevance across different communication types.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warmly welcome

This suggests a cordial and pleasant reception.

greet enthusiastically

This highlights the positive emotion behind the reception.

offer a hearty welcome

This implies a sincere and generous welcome.

extend a friendly reception

This emphasizes the amicable nature of the welcome.

receive cordially

This suggests a polite and gracious reception.

embrace wholeheartedly

This conveys complete and enthusiastic acceptance.

give a big hug

This is a more literal and physical expression of welcome.

make someone feel at home

Focuses on ensuring comfort and belonging.

accept with pleasure

Implies agreement and satisfaction at the arrival or acceptance.

roll out the red carpet

This idiom suggests a lavish and ceremonial welcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "with open arms" to describe a warm and enthusiastic welcome. For example, "The community welcomed the refugees "with open arms", offering them food and shelter".

What are some alternatives to saying "with open arms"?

Some alternatives to "with open arms" include "warmly welcome", "greet enthusiastically", or "offer a hearty welcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone was "received with open arms"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. "Received with open arms" means that someone was welcomed very warmly and enthusiastically. For example, "She was "received with open arms" by her family after being away for many years".

What is the difference between "welcomed with open arms" and "tolerated"?

"Welcomed with open arms" implies a positive and enthusiastic reception, whereas "tolerated" suggests acceptance without enthusiasm, often with reluctance or reservation.