へっぴり腰ごし

noun

bent back; crouching posture

Describes a posture with the back bent and hips lowered, often from fear or caution.

• 彼かれはへっぴり腰ごしで暗くらい廊ろう下かを進すすんだ。

  He crept down the dark hallway with his back bent and knees weak.

noun

timidity; lack of nerve; weak-kneed attitude

Figurative use for a hesitant, cowardly attitude; often implies someone is half-hearted or lacking confidence.

• へっぴり腰ごしで交こう渉しょうしても、いい結けっ果かは得えられない。

  If you negotiate with a timid attitude, you won't get good results.