What does ‘on all fours’ mean? The idiom "on all fours" typically means being in a position where all four limbs are touching the ground, resembling an animal on hands and knees. However, in a figurative sense, it can also refer to being in a vulnerable or submissive position.

It means "positioned on hands and knees, resembling the posture of certain animals, or being in a vulnerable or subservient position." Here are three examples of the idiom "on all fours" used in a sentence: The toddler was on all fours, crawling around the room with curiosity.

The idiom “on all fours” is typically used in situations where someone or something is physically crawling on their hands and knees. It should not be used metaphorically or figuratively unless the context clearly supports it.

Shirelle was on all fours, looking for her contact lens. (Definition of on all fours from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) Translations of on all fours

Of a person, on one's hands and knees; of a four-legged animal, on all four feet. I got down on all fours trying to find my ring in the sand. The bear got down on all fours and started charging at us through the trees.

You can use "On all fours" to describe someone or something being on their hands and knees. It is often used to depict crawling or searching for something on the ground. For example, if you see a child crawling around, you might say, 'The baby was exploring the room "on all fours".'

What is the origin of the idiom "on all fours" and when to use it? The origin of the idiom "on all fours" can be traced back to the literal posture of animals, particularly quadrupeds, who move or stand by supporting their body weight on all four limbs.

Sep 15, 2015 · The only comment on the move from "four" to "fours" is actually by Michael Quinion on WWW, who suggests a possible change from "on all four legs/extremities" to the shorter "on all fours". It appears to be a plausible explanation.

Ever heard of the phrase “on all fours”? This idiomatic expression refers to someone or something being in a position where all four limbs are touching the ground. Commonly used to describe animals such as dogs or cats, being “on all fours” implies a posture of stability and balance.

"On all fours" is a legal phrase that means a case is very similar to another case in terms of facts and law. When a judge refers to a case as being "on all fours," it indicates that the legal principles and circumstances are the same, making it easier to apply the same ruling.