also: ひざをいだく
expression, godan verb (-ku)
hug one's knees; sit with knees drawn up
Describes the physical posture of sitting with arms wrapped around one's bent knees. Often implies a pensive, lonely, or vulnerable state.
彼女は部屋の隅で膝を抱えて座っていた。
She was sitting in the corner of the room hugging her knees.
寒い夜は、布団の
On cold nights, I hug my knees under the futon.
expression, godan verb (-ku)
beg; plead on one's knees
Figurative use: to beg or plead desperately, as if kneeling and clinging to someone's knees. Less common than the literal posture sense.
彼は上司に膝を抱いて謝った。
He begged his boss for forgiveness, practically on his knees.