muscle-man

A muscle-man lifts a heavy barbell in the gym.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A man with highly developed muscles: "muscle-man" refers to a man who is exceptionally strong and muscular, often due to bodybuilding or weightlifting.
   • A weightlifter or strongman: In a specific sense, "muscle-man" denotes a professional weightlifter or a performer in strength shows.

Usage Examples

• (A strongman performer.)
• (A man who developed extreme muscularity.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as a muscle-man": to serve as a physically intimidating enforcer or bodyguard.

  • The gang leader used a muscle-man to collect debts. (A person employed for physical intimidation.)

• "muscle-man physique": a body type characterized by large, well-defined muscles.

  • He achieved a classic muscle-man physique through strict training. (A bodybuilder's physical form.)

Variants and Related Words

• Muscle (n): the tissue in the body that contracts to produce movement.

  • He strained a muscle during his workout. (A specific part of the body's muscular system.)

• Muscular (adj): having strong, well-developed muscles.

  • The athlete has a muscular build. (Describes a body with prominent muscles.)

• Muscle-bound (adj): having overdeveloped muscles that limit flexibility.

  • The bodybuilder was so muscle-bound that he could not touch his toes. (A condition of excessive muscle size.)

Synonyms

• Strongman: a person who performs feats of strength.
• Bodybuilder: someone who develops their muscles through exercise, often for competition.
• Hulk: (informal) a very large, strong man.

Phrasal Verbs

• Muscle in: to force one's way into a situation or activity, often aggressively.

  • He tried to muscle in on their business deal. (To intrude or take control through force.)

• Muscle up: to increase one's strength or muscularity.

  • She muscled up for the competition. (To build muscle through training.)

Related Idioms

• To flex one's muscles: to show off one's strength or power.

  • The new manager flexed his muscles by firing several employees. (To demonstrate authority or capability.)

• To make a muscle: to contract the biceps to show strength.

  • The boy made a muscle to impress his friends. (To tense the arm muscle as a display.)