spread eagle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Neutral, but often informal in verb/adjective uses. Formal in heraldry/technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “spread eagle” mean?
A physical position in which the arms and legs are stretched out wide, or to describe something in that shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical position in which the arms and legs are stretched out wide, or to describe something in that shape.
To be in a dominant or victorious position; to criticize or attack severely (verb: to spread-eagle). Also refers to a specific figure in heraldry and a type of executioner's knot.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in American English, particularly in sports (e.g., hockey, baseball) and political commentary ('spread-eagle oratory'). Both hyphenated and non-hyphenated forms are used in both varieties; hyphenation is more common for adjectives/verbs.
Connotations
In American historical/political discourse, it can carry connotations of boastful nationalism ('spread-eagle patriotism'). This connotation is less pronounced in modern UK usage.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US media, especially sports reporting and historical/political analysis.
Grammar
How to Use “spread eagle” in a Sentence
NP spread-eagle NP (He spread-eagled the defenders)NP be spread-eagle (He was spread-eagle on the floor)NP be spread-eagled across NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spread eagle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The goalkeeper spread-eagled himself to make a fantastic save.
- The report was spread-eagled by critics for its lack of evidence.
American English
- The wide receiver spread-eagled the defenders on his way to the end zone.
- The senator spread-eagled his opponent during the debate.
adverb
British English
- He landed spread-eagle on the crash mat.
- The figure was depicted spread-eagle on the banner.
American English
- She fell spread-eagle on the ice after slipping.
- The logo is displayed spread-eagle across the homepage.
adjective
British English
- He was found lying in a spread-eagle position on the lawn.
- The heraldic shield featured a spread-eagle crest.
American English
- The skier executed a perfect spread-eagle jump.
- He delivered a classic piece of spread-eagle oratory.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Figuratively: 'The new policy spread-eagled the competition.'
Academic
Used in historical studies (19th-century 'spread-eagle' rhetoric), sports science (body positioning), and heraldry.
Everyday
Used to describe someone lying flat on their back with limbs out, or in sports commentary.
Technical
Specific term in skiing (a jump), skating (a spin position), heraldry (a displayed eagle), and knot-tying.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spread eagle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spread eagle”
- Misspelling as one word ('spreadeagle') is less standard than hyphenated or two-word forms.
- Using it as a simple synonym for 'eagle' without the 'spread' posture implication.
- Incorrect verb tense: 'He spread-eagled' (correct), not 'He spread-eagle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All forms are used. 'Spread eagle' (noun) and 'spread-eagle' (adjective/verb) are most common. The hyphenated form is preferred for adjectives and verbs.
'Spread-eagle' specifically implies arms AND legs stretched out symmetrically, often flat on the back or front. 'Sprawled' is less precise and can mean lying or sitting in a relaxed, ungainly way.
Yes. In sports, a 'spread-eagle save' is athletic and positive. Figuratively, 'to spread-eagle the competition' means to dominate decisively. However, as a verb meaning 'to criticise harshly,' it is negative.
Yes, especially in American historical context. The 'spread eagle' is a common heraldic pose, and 'spread-eagleism' referred to boastful, aggressive patriotism in 19th-century America.
A physical position in which the arms and legs are stretched out wide, or to describe something in that shape.
Spread eagle is usually neutral, but often informal in verb/adjective uses. formal in heraldry/technical contexts. in register.
Spread eagle: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspred ˈiːɡl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsprɛd ˈiɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To go spread-eagle (to fall flat with limbs outstretched)”
- “Spread-eagle speech (a boastful, nationalistic address)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the national bird of the USA on a coat of arms: its wings and legs are SPREAD out like an EAGLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
VULNERABILITY IS BEING SPREAD-EAGLED (exposed, defenseless). DOMINANCE IS A SPREAD EAGLE (covering a large area, triumphant).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'spread eagle' LEAST likely to be used?