0

Normally, we say "a man + dodge + the thing that is moving to him".

For example, "he dodged the bullet", "he dodged the punch".

Can we say "a man + dodge + a part of his body + preposition + the thing that is moving to him" or "a man + dodge + a part of his body + adverb"?

For example, Is it correct to say "I dodged my arm away from his punch" or "I dodged my arm aside"?

Improve this question
1
  • Limb avulsion is one of the few scenarios where one would dodge their arm. I'm thinking maybe a combine accident during fall harvest.
    – EllieK
    May 18, 2022 at 12:24

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

I would say, "He tried to punch my arm, but I dodged him."

You weren't dodging your arm: you were dodging him.

Improve this answer
2
  • Maybe also include an answer to the question, such as No, you cannot dodge your arm out of the way....
    – EllieK
    May 18, 2022 at 12:20
  • Some alternatives that would work to express Tom's meaning would be "whip" or "jerk". For example, "I whipped/jerked my arm out of the way of his punch".
    – PoolOfPeas
    May 19, 2022 at 6:52
1

Oxford Languages defines dodge as avoid (someone or something) by a sudden quick movement.

You may have found some instances of dodge used to mean move a part of the body out of the way, but this is a nonstandard usage.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .