a shot on the arm vs a shot on your arm

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A shot on the arm' is a common expression meaning something that provides a boost or improvement, while 'a shot on your arm' would refer to a literal injection given in the arm.

Last updated: March 26, 2024

a shot on the arm

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to mean something that provides a boost or improvement.

This phrase is a figurative expression that means a positive or helpful experience, similar to a boost or encouragement.

Examples:

Getting that promotion was a real shot on the arm for her career.
Winning the competition was a shot on the arm for the team's morale.

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Once again, the Swiss economy gets a shot in the arm.
This would be a shot in the arm for worldwide work towards achieving the MDGs.
We need a shot in the arm.
Well, your partner here decided to give me a shot in the arm.
I think this team needed a shot in the arm and my mind was the syringe.
Talk about a shot in the arm for the computer industry.
And I'll tell you, MicroCon needed a shot in the arm.
I think this team needed a shot in the arm and my mind was the syringe.
For the European Union, it is a necessary investment to give this process a shot in the arm.
Furthermore, it is important to continue the liberal trade policy because it can give the failing world economy a shot in the arm.
We, in our European work, would do well, therefore, to give that sector a shot in the arm.
Innovation in the construction of specialist ships will prove decisive here and this could give our shipbuilding industry a shot in the arm.
These legally binding instruments have proven to be a shot in the arm in the equal treatment of men and women in the Member States.
The recent tragic events in the United States have actually given a shot in the arm to the arms industries.
That said, this loan will be something of a shot in the arm for Mr Majko, who is making heroic efforts but has very little room for manoeuvre.
And in this economy, it would be a shot in the arm for the city.
Finally, the European Parliament is asking the European Commission to adopt an assertive stance, and I hope that the latter will interpret this as a shot in the arm.
We also wanted definite decisions from the Council about giving the European economy a shot in the arm by stimulating innovation, making the labour market more flexible and abolishing unnecessary rules.
There are now sound transitional provisions which, in combination with innovation and replacement products, can help industry along. Moreover, this fund for minor crops that is about to be introduced will give these alternatives a shot in the arm.
In this way, at least a serious attempt is being made to give the opposition, which is preparing for a new round of demonstrations, a shot in the arm.

Alternatives:

a boost
an encouragement
a morale booster
a pick-me-up
a positive experience

a shot on your arm

This phrase is correct when referring to a literal injection given in the arm.

This phrase is used when talking about a medical injection or vaccine administered in the arm.