fold one's arms
Interlace upper extremities
To fold one's arms is to cross them over one's chest, each hand tucking under the opposite arm.
The posture often signals defensiveness, disapproval, or impatience: She folded her arms and waited for an explanation.
It can also suggest confidence or resolve: He folded his arms and refused to budge.
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
- closed offBarred from access
- keeping distanceRemaining spatially separated
- wait and seeDefer until clarity comes
- impatienceIntolerance of delay
hard to read · self-soothing · waiting · defiance · silent protest · stand one's ground
fold one's armsopen arms
Welcoming body language
reach out · embrace · arms akimbo · hands on hips · palms up
fold one's armsroll up one's sleeves
Prepare for physical work
get one's hands dirty · lend a hand · pitch in · dig in · get to work
fold one's armsarms akimbo
Pose with elbows out
hands on hips · relaxed posture · open posture · arms outstretched · palms up
fold, folds, folded, folding, folder, folders, unfold, unfolds, unfolded