the.com/call to arms
The speech before the montage — urgency dressed up as inspiration.
means An urgent appeal summoning people to act together on some cause, often implying that the moment demands sacrifice or struggle.
from Literal in origin — it meant the actual military summons to take up weapons, soldiers grabbing swords or muskets at a drum roll or trumpet blast. 'Arms' here is the old sense meaning weapons (as in 'armed,' 'armory'), not limbs. Over time the phrase marched off the battlefield into general use, so that now a coach, a CEO, or an activist can sound one without anyone touching a rifle.
- origin
- Literally meant grab your weapons, soldiers
- modern use
- Now mostly means grab your laptop
- best feature
- Works even when the cause is vague
- risk
- Inspires everyone, mobilizes almost no one