APAD: A shot in the arm

Meaning:

    A shot in the arm is a stimulus.

 

Background:

   Most people can remember their first injection.

 

   This expression derives from the invigorating effect of injecting drugs. A

   shot is of course US slang for an injection, either of a narcotic or

   medicinal drug. That term has been in use since around the beginning of the

   20th century.

 

- www.phrases.org.uk [edited]

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I can't remember my first shot, likely a vaccine soon after birth, or any

narcotic jabs. Apparently, most westerners do, or at least the author of the

above does. I made intimate acquaintance with local anesthesia when they pulled

my wisdom teeth, five of them, but that might not be opiod. For stimulus, the

morning coffee does the trick for me. Yes, I have heard of heavenly euphoria

or profound peace brought on by the needle, but so far kept savoring the joy of

missing out.

 

I couldn't do it without the help from others. Only yesterday, pharmacies at

both Target and Walmart declined to sell me a syringe. The poor girls were first

startled and then out of depth when I explained I needed it to drain the fluid

gathered in the swelling on the outer edge of my left ear. It was from sports, I

added, and it didn't help. They kept on apologizing out of genuine ignorance,

and I could sense they were quivering in fear of the unknown or some vengeful

god. In the end I felt sorry for them and said good night.