expression, ichidan verb
hold a sword above one's head
Literal martial arts term: raising a sword high overhead in a commanding stance. Often implies an aggressive or intimidating posture.
See also: 大上段 (だいじょうだん)
剣道の試合で、彼は大上段に構えて相手を威圧した。
In the kendo match, he held his sword high above his head to intimidate his opponent.
expression, ichidan verb
be haughty; be arrogant; take a high-handed attitude
Figurative use derived from the sword stance: acting superior, condescending, or overbearing. Often used in interpersonal or business contexts.
See also: 大上段 (だいじょうだん)
彼はいつも大上段に構えた態度で話すから、周りから嫌われている。
He always speaks with a haughty attitude, so people around him dislike him.
そんなに大上段に構えられると、こちらも言いたいことが言えなくなる。
When you take such a high-handed stance, it makes it hard for me to say what I want to say.