bob and weave
Duck and sway
Bob and weave describes evasive movement—ducking and swaying to avoid being hit.
The phrase comes from boxing, where fighters bob (drop the head and body) and weave (sway side to side) to dodge punches.
Figuratively, it means avoiding direct confrontation or commitment: Politicians bob and weave when asked difficult questions.
He's been bobbing and weaving around the issue for weeks.
- duckWaterbird that quacks
- dodgeAvoid by quick movement
- slip and slideWet lawn toy
- swayRock back and forth
- slipMinor error or misstep
head movement · feint · jab · boxing · sweet science · prize fight · footwork · ring · on the ropes · punch · evade · sidestep · stick and move · shadowbox · rope-a-dope · roll with the punches · counter · stance
- boxingjab, uppercut, hook, punch, knockout
- feintsfeint, fake, juke, deke, head fake
- kickboxingkickboxing, jab, sparring, hook kick, roundhouse kick
- evasionevasion, avoiding, avoids, evade, dodging
- punchesjab, uppercut, haymaker, left hook, right hook
- blocking techniquesparry, deflection, high block, low block, forearm block
bob and weaveblock
Solid mass, or impede
parry · guard · cover up · stand your ground · clinch
bob and weavestand still
Cease all movement
stand firm · hold your ground · freeze · go through · bull rush
weave, bobs, bobbed, bobbing, weaves, weaved, wove, weaving, weaver