WordGarden.iomuscle
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈʌsəl/
US
- /ˈməsəl/
Meanings
Noun
a body tissue or organ that contracts to produce movement
physical strength, especially muscular power
(informal)people hired or used to intimidate others or enforce something by force
More meaningsFewer meanings
practical power or influence used to get results
Verb
to force or push something through by strength or pressure
Beyond the definition
We often think of muscles as what makes us strong—the brawn behind lifting heavy objects or running fast! But "muscle" isn't just about physical strength. It also refers to the tissues in your body that allow you to move, like the biceps in your arms or the muscles that help you smile.
Figuratively, "muscle" can mean power or influence. A politician with "political muscle" has a lot of sway and the ability to get things done. Think of it as having the strength to overcome obstacles—whether physical or political! You might say someone "flexed their muscles" when they demonstrated their authority to show others what they are capable of.
Sometimes, "the muscle" also means a strong person or group brought in to use force or back someone up. In stories about crime or conflict, this use is common.
The word "muscle" most commonly refers to the contractile tissue in animals that produces movement. These tissues are responsible for everything from walking and breathing to digesting food and blinking. Humans have over 600 muscles working together in complex ways! You can feel some of them—like the ones in your arms and legs—but others work deep inside your body without you even realizing it.
However, "muscle" has expanded well beyond anatomy. It is frequently used metaphorically to describe strength, power, or influence. A company with "market muscle" is a dominant force in its industry, while someone who can persuade others easily might be said to have "social muscle."
It can also refer to a person or group that provides physical force. In informal English, especially in crime stories or action movies, "the muscle" means the people who intimidate others, protect someone, or carry out threats. For example, a gang leader might send in "the muscle" to scare a rival.
The phrase "flex your muscles" means to demonstrate power or authority, much like a bodybuilder showing off their physique to intimidate or impress. It implies taking action and asserting control. You might hear, "The union flexed its muscles during the negotiations," meaning they used their collective strength to achieve favorable terms.
Interestingly, the word comes from the Latin musculus, which means "little mouse." Ancient Romans thought a flexing muscle resembled a little mouse scurrying under the skin!
So, whether you're talking about physical strength, economic dominance, or persuasive ability, "muscle" represents power in all its diverse forms.
Examples
- 1
Body soreness
My legs were sore because I had used muscles I rarely use.
- 2
Injury
He pulled a muscle in his back while lifting a box.
- 3
Fitness
Regular swimming can help you build muscle without putting too much stress on your knees.
- 4
Medical procedure
The doctor told her to relax the muscle before the injection.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Learned movement
After a few weeks of practice, the movement became muscle memory.
- Phrasemuscle memory
the way your body remembers a movement after practice
- 6
Business power
The company has the financial muscle to buy smaller competitors.
- 7
Forceful movement
Don't let him muscle his way to the front of the line.
- Patternmuscle your way somewhere
get there by using force or pressure
- 8
Unwanted competition
A larger chain tried to muscle in on the local coffee shops' business.
- Patternmuscle in on + business/activity
get involved where you are not wanted
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- musclenounverb
Forms
- musclespluralnounverb
- muscledpast tenseverbnoun
- muscling-ing formverbnoun