Akimbo Meaning in English
word
əˈkɪmˌboʊ
uh-KIM-boh
ɐkˈɪmbəʊ
uh-KIM-boh
Definition
With hands on the hips and elbows turned outward, usually describing someone's posture. It is mainly used to talk about how a person stands.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly formal or descriptive, often in writing or storytelling. Common in the phrase 'arms akimbo.' Rarely used in daily speech. Used to describe a confident, assertive, or sometimes impatient stance.
Spanish: en jarras - en akimboPortuguese (BR): de braços abertos - de braços na cinturaPortuguese (PT): com os braços na ancaChinese (Simplified): 叉腰Chinese (Traditional): 叉腰Hindi: कमर पर हाथ रखेArabic: يداه على خصرهBengali: কোমরে হাত - কনুই বাইরে (অকিম্বো অবস্থান)Russian: руки в бокиJapanese: 腰に手を当ててVietnamese: chống tay vào hôngKorean: 허리에 손을 얹은Turkish: elleri belindeUrdu: کمر پر ہاتھ رکھےIndonesian: berdiri dengan tangan di pinggang
Example Sentences
She stood akimbo, waiting for an answer.
basic
The teacher looked at the class akimbo.
basic
He waited akimbo near the door.
basic
She stood there with her arms akimbo, looking very impatient.
natural
With arms akimbo, he demanded an explanation from his friend.
natural
Mom stood akimbo and said, 'What happened here?'
natural