Akimbo

/əˈkɪmbəʊ/
adjective

Hands on the hips and elbows turned outward.

She stood with arms akimbo, defiantly looking at the policeman.
Visual representation of "akimbo" - Hands on the hips and elbows turned outward

Often appears as...

  • stand akimbo
  • arms akimbo
adverb

In a position where the hands are on the hips and the elbows are spread outwards.

He was standing akimbo in the doorway, blocking our way.
Visual representation of "akimbo" - In a position where the hands are on the hips and the elbows are spread outwards

Often appears as...

  • stand akimbo
  • arms akimbo
adjective

Hands on the hips and elbows turned outward.

She stood with arms akimbo, defiantly looking at the policeman.
Visual representation of "akimbo" - Hands on the hips and elbows turned outward

Often appears as...

  • stand akimbo
  • arms akimbo
adverb

In a position where the hands are on the hips and the elbows are spread outwards.

He was standing akimbo in the doorway, blocking our way.
Visual representation of "akimbo" - In a position where the hands are on the hips and the elbows are spread outwards

Often appears as...

  • stand akimbo
  • arms akimbo
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "akimbo"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Body Language

Suggests confidence or defiance when someone stands with their arms akimbo.

Illustration for Body Language
Facing the challenge, he stood with his arms akimbo, ready to face any obstacle.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Depiction

Common in superhero poses or depictions of powerful individuals in media.

Illustration for Cultural Depiction
The superhero posed with arms akimbo on the movie poster, exuding strength.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Visual Imagery

Creates a vivid mental image, useful in descriptive writing and storytelling.

Illustration for Visual Imagery
She entered the crowded room with arms akimbo, parting the masses like the Red Sea.
Visual representation of the word "Akimbo"

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Video examples

Freaky Lizard PIPE National...

get the frilled lizard on the run because a frilled lizard on the run is one of nature's most offbeat entertaining sights I mean check out that leg action the way it runs pumping its back legs akimbo has earned it the name bicycle lizard

Video examples

Freaky Lizard PIPE National...

get the frilled lizard on the run because a frilled lizard on the run is one of nature's most offbeat entertaining sights I mean check out that leg action the way it runs pumping its back legs akimbo has earned it the name bicycle lizard

Example 1 of 1

Quote examples

Michelle Malkin

American Writer

Here is the operating motto of the Obama White House: 'So let it be written, so let it be done!' Like Yul Brynner's Pharaoh Ramses character in Cecil B. DeMille's 'The Ten Commandments,' the demander in chief stands with arms akimbo issuing daily edicts to his constitution-subverting minions.
Portrait of Michelle Malkin

Quote examples

Michelle Malkin

American Writer

Here is the operating motto of the Obama White House: 'So let it be written, so let it be done!' Like Yul Brynner's Pharaoh Ramses character in Cecil B. DeMille's 'The Ten Commandments,' the demander in chief stands with arms akimbo issuing daily edicts to his constitution-subverting minions.
Portrait of Michelle Malkin
Example 1 of 1
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