How to Express 'Up in Arms About' in English: Phrases for Protests and Complaints


Introduction 😤

The phrase “up in arms about” is commonly used in English to express strong disagreement or protest. Here, I’ll introduce various expressions you can use when talking about protests and complaints in English!

Basic Expressions 🗣️

Expressions About Being Angry

  • up in arms about / over
  • outraged about / by
  • furious about / with
  • protest against
  • object to
  • oppose
  • make a fuss about
  • Angry / furious / outraged
  • Upset / disturbed / troubled
  • Frustrated / annoyed
  • Dissatisfied / discontented
  • Displeased / unhappy
  • Fed up / tired of

Useful Expressions and Examples 😠

When Expressing Opposition

Example 1: “The residents are up in arms about the new parking regulations.”

“Everyone is protesting against the changes.”

When Making Complaints

Example 2: “I’m going to raise my concerns about this issue.”

“We need to voice our objections.”

When Showing Disagreement

Example 3: “I strongly object to this proposal.”

“We’re all opposed to these changes.”

Conversation Examples 💬

Conversation at Work

A: “Have you heard about the new office policy?”

B: “Yes, and everyone’s up in arms about it!”

A: “I know, people are really upset.”

B: “We should file a formal complaint.”

Community Meeting Discussion

A: “Why are the neighbors so angry?”

B: “They’re protesting against the new construction project.”

A: “I see why they’re making such a fuss.”

B: “Yes, they have valid concerns.”

Grammar Points 📝

Using Prepositions with Protest Expressions

  1. up in arms + about/over Example: “They’re up in arms about the price increase.”

  2. protest + against Example: “We’re protesting against unfair treatment.”

  3. object + to Example: “I object to these changes.”

Common Mistakes ❌

Incorrect: “I am up in arms with this decision.” Correct: “I am up in arms about this decision.”

Incorrect: “They protest for the new rules.” Correct: “They protest against the new rules.”

Situational Phrases 🎯

Expressing Strong Opposition

  • “I won’t stand for this!”
  • “This is completely unacceptable!”
  • “I’m putting my foot down!”

Making Formal Complaints

  • “I’d like to file a complaint.”
  • “I need to speak to a manager.”
  • “I want to voice my concerns.”

Polite Expressions 🤝

Diplomatic Ways to Complain

  • “I have some concerns about…”
  • “I’d like to discuss this matter…”
  • “Could we review this decision?”

Idioms 🎭

  • “Make waves”
  • “Rock the boat”
  • “Raise a stink”
  • “Kick up a fuss”

Different Levels of Intensity 📊

Mild Disagreement

  • “I’m not too happy about this.”
  • “I have some reservations.”
  • “I’m a bit concerned.”

Strong Opposition

  • “I’m absolutely furious!”
  • “This is completely outrageous!”
  • “I’m totally against this!”

Summary 📌

There are many ways to express opposition and complaints in English. Choose expressions based on the formality of the situation and the strength of your feelings!

Key Points to Remember

  1. Use appropriate prepositions with protest expressions
  2. Match the intensity of your language to the situation
  3. Consider formal vs informal contexts when choosing phrases

Remember to use these expressions appropriately depending on your audience and the setting!




🥇 Top recommendation: The quickest English learners I know all use natural immersion methods. That's exactly what sites like secret2english.com do with their real conversation videos. Nothing beats conversational immersion for rapid English improvement.