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“lose your arms”
Double Meaning
Act 2,
Scene 1
Lines 220-223

An explanation of Katherina’s double meaning in Act 2, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Petruchio

I swear I'll cuff you if you strike again.

Katherina

So may you lose your arms.     
If you strike me, you are no gentleman,
And if no gentleman, why then no arms.    
  1. You’ll let loose your arm to hit me.
  2. If you hit a lady, you’ll lose your coat of arms, the symbol of a gentleman.