肘ひじ張ばる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

stick out one's elbows

Literal physical action of jutting the elbows outward, often in a way that takes up space or looks assertive.

• 電でん車しゃの中なかで肘ひじ張ばると、隣となりの人ひとに迷めい惑わくだよ。

  If you stick your elbows out on the train, you'll bother the person next to you.

expression, godan verb (-ru)

be obstinate; be haughty

Figurative use: acting stubbornly or arrogantly, as if physically spreading one's elbows to claim space. Often implies an unyielding, self-important attitude.

• 彼かれは会かい議ぎで肘ひじ張ばって、自じ分ぶんの意い見けんを曲まげなかった。

  He was obstinate in the meeting and wouldn't budge on his opinion.

• あの新しん人じんはやけに肘ひじ張ばっているね。

  That new guy is acting really haughty, isn't he?