While "laid down arms" indicates peace, surrender, and ceasefire, its antonyms suggest quite the opposite. Some antonyms of this phrase include: take up arms, pick up the fight, wage war, continue hostilities, keep the battle going, and resist surrender. These words denote a state of conflict and aggressive opposition where the individuals or factions involved refuse to come to a peaceful resolution. They imply the use of force and violence as a means to achieve one's objectives. Contrarily, "laid down arms" is a statement of peaceful resolution and a willingness to put down the weapons for the greater good.