expression, ichidan verb
Literal action of crossing one's arms. Often used as a gesture of deep thought or inaction.
See also: 手をこまねく
彼は考え込んで、手を束ねた。
He folded his arms, deep in thought.
expression, ichidan verb
stand idly by; look on without intervening
Figurative use, usually in the form 手を束ねて, meaning to watch a situation without taking action. Similar to 手をこまねく.
See also: 手をこまねく
彼らは困っている人を前に、手を束ねて見ているだけだった。
They just stood by with folded arms, watching the person in trouble.