Fold your arms
verb
To bend each of your arms and rest them on your chest or stomach.
She folded her arms across her chest, defensive.
Often appears as...
- fold your arms across your chest
- fold your arms defiantly
verb
To take up a position or attitude of defense, disapproval, or stubbornness.
He folded his arms and refused to leave.
Often appears as...
- fold your arms stubbornly
- fold your arms in disapproval
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To bend each of your arms and rest them on your chest or stomach.
She folded her arms across her chest, defensive.
Often appears as...
- fold your arms across your chest
- fold your arms defiantly
verb
To take up a position or attitude of defense, disapproval, or stubbornness.
He folded his arms and refused to leave.
Often appears as...
- fold your arms stubbornly
- fold your arms in disapproval
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Position
The phrase is sometimes used to describe someone's physical position when feeling relaxed or listening intently.
During the lecture, many students folded their arms and leaned back.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Stance
Not always a sign of negativity; it can indicate neutrality, especially in casual settings.
The audience folded their arms as they listened to the comedian.
Pro Tip 3/3Observational Gesture
Used as a nondescript gesture when people are observing something without wanting to intervene.
He folded his arms while watching the street performers.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Position
The phrase is sometimes used to describe someone's physical position when feeling relaxed or listening intently.
During the lecture, many students folded their arms and leaned back.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Stance
Not always a sign of negativity; it can indicate neutrality, especially in casual settings.
The audience folded their arms as they listened to the comedian.
Pro Tip 3/3Observational Gesture
Used as a nondescript gesture when people are observing something without wanting to intervene.
He folded his arms while watching the street performers.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Position
The phrase is sometimes used to describe someone's physical position when feeling relaxed or listening intently.
During the lecture, many students folded their arms and leaned back.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Stance
Not always a sign of negativity; it can indicate neutrality, especially in casual settings.
The audience folded their arms as they listened to the comedian.
Pro Tip 3/3Observational Gesture
Used as a nondescript gesture when people are observing something without wanting to intervene.
He folded his arms while watching the street performers.
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