居い直なおる

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

sit upright; sit up straight

Literal meaning: to straighten one's posture from a slouching or relaxed position. Often used when someone corrects their sitting posture.

• 先せん生せいが入はいってくると、生せい徒とたちは慌あわてて居い直なおった。

  When the teacher came in, the students hurriedly sat up straight.

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

become defiant; take an aggressive attitude; turn the tables

Figurative extension: from a posture of weakness or apology, suddenly adopting a bold, confrontational stance. Often used when someone caught in a fault unexpectedly becomes aggressive or self-righteous.

• 彼かれはミスを指し摘てきされると、急きゅうに居い直なおって開ひらき直なおった。

  When his mistake was pointed out, he suddenly became defiant and unapologetic.

• 問とい詰つめられた犯はん人にんは居い直なおって、逆ぎゃくに脅おどし始はじめた。

  The cornered suspect turned defiant and started making threats instead.