Right Arm of the Free World
- noun
- Literature
:
Brazo Derecho del Mundo Libre
- The United States is often called the Right Arm of the Free World.
Examples
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Many consider the U.S. the Right Arm of the Free World in efforts to promote democracy.
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The prime minister proudly referred to his country as the Right Arm of the Free World during the peace talks.
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Activists often debate which nation truly acts as the Right Arm of the Free World today.
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Many believe that the Right Arm of the Free World should promote democracy globally.
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Many consider the U.S. the Right Arm of the Free World in its efforts to promote democracy.
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Activists often debate which nation best represents the Right Arm of the Free World today.
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During the peace talks, the prime minister proudly declared his country as the Right Arm of the Free World.
Surface Forms
Morphology
right + arm + of + the + free + world
The phrase composes a familiar metaphor ('right arm' / 'right-hand' as a principal helper or branch) with the political label 'the Free World' (democratic countries), so a literal compositional reading points to a main supporter or defender. However, understanding the precise political/cultural reference and accepting 'arm' as a metaphorical supporter requires metaphorical mapping and some background knowledge, so the meaning is not fully predictable for a B1 learner.
Etymology
Right Arm of the Free World comes from the image of a strong right arm next to the Free World. Imagine a powerful arm protecting and helping free countries. So it means the main 'supporter' or 'defender' of freedom in the world.
