- shot in the arm1.
- a shot in the arm1.Lit. an injection of medicine. •
The doctor administered the antidote to the poison by a shot in the arm.
2. Fig. a boost or act of encouragement. •The pep talk was a real shot in the arm for all the guys.
•The good test grade was a shot in the arm for Gary.
3. Fig. a drink of liquor. •I could use a little shot in the arm.
•How about a little shot in the arm, bartender?
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.