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.

Related

hard to read · self-soothing · waiting · defiance · silent protest · stand one's ground

Opposites
body language openness

fold one's armsopen arms

Welcoming body language

reach out · embrace · arms akimbo · hands on hips · palms up

engagement and activity

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

body posture openness

fold one's armsarms akimbo

Pose with elbows out

hands on hips · relaxed posture · open posture · arms outstretched · palms up

Family

fold, folds, folded, folding, folder, folders, unfold, unfolds, unfolded

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G