斜しゃに構かまえる

expression, ichidan verb

couch a sword; hold a sword diagonally

Literal martial-arts term: holding a sword at a diagonal angle, ready to strike or defend.

• 剣けん道どうの試し合あいで、相あい手ては斜しゃに構かまえて攻こう撃げきの機き会かいをうかがっていた。

  In the kendo match, my opponent held his sword diagonally, waiting for a chance to attack.

expression, ichidan verb

take a cynical stance; look at things ironically; be on guard

Figurative use: adopting a detached, skeptical, or defensive attitude toward people or situations. Often implies not engaging straightforwardly.

• 彼かれはいつも斜しゃに構かまえて人ひとの話はなしを聞きくから、誤ご解かいされやすい。

  He always listens with a cynical attitude, so he's easily misunderstood.

• 新しん人じんはまだ斜しゃに構かまえていて、なかなか打うち解とけない。

  The newcomer is still on guard and doesn't open up easily.

expression, ichidan verb

stand ready; adopt a formal attitude

Archaic use: to prepare oneself formally for an action or to assume a stiff, ceremonial posture. Rare in modern Japanese.

• 古ふるい文ぶん献けんでは、使し者しゃが斜しゃに構かまえて主しゅ君くんの言こと葉ばを待まつ場ば面めんが描えがかれている。

  In old texts, there are scenes where an envoy stands ready, waiting for his lord's words.