大だい上じょう段だん

noun

holding a sword above one's head (kendo posture)

Martial arts term for a high guard position where the sword is raised overhead. Often used in kendo and other sword arts.

• 剣けん道どうの試し合あいで、大だい上じょう段だんの構かまえから面めんを打うった。

  In the kendo match, he struck the opponent's head from a high guard posture.

noun

haughty attitude; overbearing manner

Figurative use likening an arrogant, condescending attitude to the high sword posture. Often used in phrases like 大上段に構える (to take a high-and-mighty stance).

• 彼かれはいつも大だい上じょう段だんに構かまえて話はなすから、周まわりから煙けむたがられている。

  He always speaks with a haughty attitude, so people around him find him off-putting.