🇰🇷Korean Source WordCode: KO

비활성 상태로 있다

Pronunciation / Transliteration: bihwal seong sangtaelo itda

🇬🇧 Direct English Meaning:
Sit-on-your-hands/ˈsɪt ɒn jɔː hændz/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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🇰🇷 Example Sentence in Korean:

"그는 토론 중 비활성 상태로 있기로 결정했다."

Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To refrain from taking action or to remain passive in a situation.

    "During the crisis, the manager chose to sit on his hands instead of making a decision."
  2. 2

    To avoid involvement or intervention in a matter.

    "She decided to sit on her hands rather than get involved in the argument."

Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The phrase 'sit on your hands' originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, reflecting a metaphorical expression of inactivity or passivity. The imagery suggests physically sitting on one's hands to prevent action, symbolizing a reluctance to engage or intervene.

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