also: うでをこまぬく
expression, godan verb (-ku)
look on with arms folded; stand idly by
Idiomatic expression meaning to watch without taking action, often with a nuance of passive indifference or helplessness. Literally 'to fold one's arms and watch'.
彼は困っている友人を前に、ただ腕をこまねいているだけだった。
He just stood by with his arms folded while his friend was in trouble.
政府
The government seems to be looking on with arms folded, even though it recognizes the problem.