arm twister

Friends and aides described Ms. Lhota as the campaign's all-purpose glue, and a sort of velvet-gloved arm twister with a knack for getting people to do what she needs them to do.

(Lhota's Wife Brings Experience as a Fund-Raiser to His Mayoral Campaign, NY Times Oct,8 th,2013)


Hi, everyone!

Arm twister mean someone who have influence on others?

Thanks

Maybe not so much "exerting influence on others" but rather "convincing others".

It comes from "to twist someone's arm" which loosely means "to convince someone".

Specifically, to convince someone to do something.

Mr. Lhota was a candidate for the office of mayor of New York City last year (he lost to Mr. de Blasio.) The sentence you quote says that his wife was an important force in his election campaign, persuading others to work hard but without being mean or rude ("velvet-gloved" suggests that she was strongly influential but polite).

Oh, thanks, Parla👁 Smile :)


I totally understand the situation. Thanks for all kind people here.