IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishsit on one's hands
Meaning: To do nothing when action is needed.
Example: “The government sat on its hands while prices soared.”
Origin: Someone sitting on their hands cannot use them. The phrase, first used of audiences refusing to applaud, is found from the early 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
German: die Hände in den Schoß legen Literally: To lay the hands in the lap
French: Avoir les deux pieds dans le même sabot Literally: To have both feet in the same clog
More English idioms
- flat out As fast or as hard as possible.
- can't carry a tune in a bucket Sings very badly.
- a smash hit To be a huge success.
- firing on all cylinders Working at full power and efficiency.
- by the bucketload In large quantities.
- trouble in paradise Problems in a relationship or situation that seemed perfect.
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