Sit on (one's) hands In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "sit on (one's) hands", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Tonia Thai calendar 2021-05-30 06:05

Meaning of Sit on (one's) hands

Sit on (one's) hands informal

To do nothing or ignore the problem or situation needing to be coped with

The famine is stalking this country, yet the government still sits on its hands and expects the assistance of the United Nation.

While every member is trying to solve the problem, I feel so guilty for sitting on my hands.

The boss did nothing but sat on his hands and secretively allowed them to steal my work.

To not want to applaud or to not be eager to applaud
 

I just sit on my hands while every member pays a lot of compliments to the leader's silly plan.

Almost audience sat on his hands when John finished his speech, which made him incredibly disappointed.

Other phrases about:

be like talking to a brick wall
used when the person you are talking to does not pay attention to you, you are completely ignored.
keep/hold (yourself) aloofremain/stand aloof
to not become involved in something; to show no interest in people
not give a rat's ass for/about (something or someone)

To not care in any way about something or someone

put the chill on (someone or something)

1.  To stop, delay or diminish something

2. To ignore or end social contact with someone; to separate someone from others

knowledge in, bullshit out

Although someone is given reliable information, they continue to ignore or misunderstand it.

Grammar and Usage of Sit on (one's) hands

Verb Forms

  • sit on (one's) hands
  • sits on (one's) hands
  • sat on (one's) hands
  • sitting on (one's) hands

The verb "sit" should be conjugated according to its tense. 

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Eat my dust

To be outperformed or outrun by someone, usually by a very wide margin.

Example:

You have to be quicker to finish this task or you will eat other my dust.

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