手てを束つかねる

expression, ichidan verb

fold one's arms

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

• 彼かれは考かんがえ込こんで、手てを束つかねた。

  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

• 彼かれらは困こまっている人ひとを前まえに、手てを束つかねて見みているだけだった。

  They just stood by with folded arms, watching the person in trouble.