noun
bent back; half-sitting posture
Describes a posture where the back is bent and the hips are not fully settled, as if ready to stand up or flee. Often used in contexts like martial arts, sports, or hesitant physical stances.
剣道では、及び腰になると相手に隙を見せてしまう。
In kendo, if you adopt a half-sitting posture, you'll show an opening to your opponent.
noun
indecisive attitude; timidity; lack of nerve
Figurative extension of the physical posture: a hesitant, non-committal, or timid stance toward a situation or decision. Often used with verbs like 構える or 出る to describe someone's attitude.
彼は新しいプロジェクトに対して及び腰だ。
He is hesitant about the new project.
交渉の場で及び腰の態度を見せてはいけない。
You mustn't show a timid attitude at the negotiation table.