1. Home
2. Idioms
3. take up the cudgels for

take up the cudgels for

---

---

take up the cudgels for somebody/something

  (British & Australian) also take up the cudgels on behalf of somebody/something (British & Australian)

to argue strongly in support of someone or something

Usage notes: A cudgel is a short, heavy stick which is used as a weapon.

Relatives have taken up the cudgels for two British women accused of murder. (British & Australian)

See also: cudgel, take, up