cross one's arms
Fold limbs protectively
To cross one's arms is to fold them over the chest, each hand tucking near the opposite elbow.
The posture often signals defensiveness, skepticism, or closed-off body language: She crossed her arms and waited for an explanation.
It can also indicate patience or resolve: He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.
- stanceStanding posture or viewpoint
- defensivenessResistance to perceived attack
- postureBody position, alignment
- guardednessDefensive emotional reserve
- closed offBarred from access
gesture · nonverbal cues · self-protection · fold · barrier · skepticism · chest · contemplation · impatience · tuck · resistance · hands · elbows · fingers · authority · discomfort · shoulders · frustration
body language openness
cross one's armsopen stance
Foot position facing target
embrace · palms up · arms akimbo · hands on hips · relaxed posture
cross, crossed, crossing, crosses, crosser, arms, arming, armful, unarmed