PhrasesHub

Arms akimbo

    Definitions

      • expressing defiance or anger
        Standing with hands on hips, elbows outward, to show that one is ready to confront or challenge someone or something

      • expressing confidence or superiority
        Standing with hands on hips, elbows outward, to show that one is in control or unafraid in a situation

    Examples of Arms akimbo

    • The detective stood in front of the suspect with his arms crossed and his hands on his hips, a stern expression on his face. The suspect could feel the detective's gaze boring into him as he tried to come up with an alibi.

      "Arms akimbo" is an idiom that describes a person's body language when they stand with their arms bent at the elbows and their hands on their hips. This position is often associated with confidence, authority, and suspicion. In the example above, the detective's use of this body language conveys his confidence and suspicion towards the suspect. It also helps to establish his authority and dominance in the situation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "arms akimbo" has two main meanings, both of which involve standing with hands on hips, elbows outward. The first meaning is to express defiance or anger, while the second meaning is to express confidence or superiority.

    In the first meaning, the person standing with arms akimbo is showing that they are ready to confront or challenge someone or something. This can be seen as a threatening gesture, as it shows that the person is standing their ground and is not afraid to take action. It can also be used to express frustration or anger towards a particular situation or person.

    In the second meaning, the person standing with arms akimbo is showing that they are in control or unafraid in a situation. This can be seen as a confident and dominant gesture, as it shows that the person is standing tall and ready to take charge. It can also be used to show superiority over others, as if the person is looking down on them with their hands on their hips.

    Origin of "Arms akimbo"

    The origin of the idiom "arms akimbo" is believed to come from a physical stance often used by ancient Greek sculptures. In these sculptures, the figures are often depicted with their arms positioned in a similar way as the idiom suggests, with their hands on their hips and elbows outward. This stance was seen as a symbol of strength and control, and it eventually became a common pose in artwork and literature.

    Over time, the phrase "arms akimbo" came to be used in English language as a way to describe this specific stance, and eventually evolved into an idiom with the meanings we know today. It is often used in a figurative sense, rather than a literal one, to convey a particular attitude or emotion.

    Overall, the idiom "arms akimbo" is a vivid and expressive way to convey defiance, anger, confidence, or superiority through body language. Its origins in ancient Greek art and its continued use in modern language show how certain gestures and poses can have a lasting impact on our communication and expressions.