hunkers
Settles into position
Hunkers are the haunches or upper thighs, used almost exclusively in the phrase on one's hunkers—squatting with knees bent and weight on the balls of the feet.
To hunker down is to squat low, and by extension, to settle in stubbornly or prepare to wait something out: We hunkered down for the storm.
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- staminaCapacity for sustained effort
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
persistence · fortitude · resilience · steadfastness · resolve · patience · waiting · tolerance
Steadiness or amount owed
- steadinessState of being constant
- firmnessResistance to deformation
- footingSecure ground position
- baseSupporting bottom structure
grounding · anchorage · equilibrium · support · foundation · solidity · stance · poise
crouch
Low bent-knee stance
bend · lower · coil · scrunch · flex · dip · huddle · settle · hunch · cower
perseverance
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- staminaCapacity for sustained effort
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
determination · persistence · fortitude · resilience · steadfastness · resolve · patience · waiting · tolerance · long-suffering
balance
Steadiness or amount owed
- steadinessState of being constant
- firmnessResistance to deformation
- footingSecure ground position
base · grounding · anchorage · equilibrium · support · foundation · solidity · stance · poise · rootedness
- sitting downtakes a seat, plops, settles, perches, squats
hunkersstands tall
Exhibits upright pride
rises · stands at attention · towers · extends · straightens
hunkersstands out
Is notably conspicuous
asserts oneself · rises up · emerges · exposes oneself · struts
- hunker downSettle in defensively
- hunkered downTook shelter, stayed put
- hunkering downSquatting and staying put