uncross
C2Formal to neutral. More common in written than spoken language.
Definition
Meaning
To move something (like limbs) from a crossed position back to a straight or parallel position.
To reverse or undo an action of crossing, often used metaphorically to mean to relax or stop being defensive or tense.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a physical action verb. Often used with body parts (legs, arms). The direct object is almost always the thing being uncrossed. The metaphorical use (e.g., 'uncross one's heart') is rare and archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or usage differences. The metaphorical phrase 'cross my heart (and hope to die)' exists, but the reverse 'uncross my heart' is virtually obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both. It describes a simple physical adjustment.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. More likely to be encountered in descriptive writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + uncross + [Direct Object (body part)][Subject] + uncross + [Direct Object] + from + [something] (rare)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in modern use. The archaic 'uncross one's heart' meant to retract a solemn promise.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare. Possibly in ergonomic or body language contexts ('He uncrossed his arms, signaling openness').
Academic
Rare. Could appear in literary analysis describing character posture.
Everyday
Low frequency. Used when describing someone changing their seated/standing position ('Can you uncross your legs so I can get past?').
Technical
Rare. Potentially in physiotherapy or dance instruction.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She uncrossed her legs and stood up to leave the meeting.
- Please uncross your arms; it looks very defensive.
American English
- He uncrossed his ankles and leaned forward in his chair.
- I had to uncross the microphone cables to fix the feedback issue.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
American English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival form in use.
American English
- No standard adjectival form in use.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher asked the students to uncross their arms and listen.
- You should uncross your legs when you feel numb.
- After hours of negotiation, he finally uncrossed his arms, a sign of conceding the point.
- She uncrossed her legs and smoothed down her skirt before answering.
- The diplomat's deliberate act of uncrossing his legs was interpreted as a subtle shift towards a more conciliatory stance.
- In meditation, one is often instructed to sit with uncrossed limbs to promote energy flow.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an 'X' (a cross). To UNCROSS is to take away that 'X' shape, to make it parallel lines again: || .
Conceptual Metaphor
DEFENSIVENESS/OBSTRUCTION IS CROSSED LIMBS (so uncrossing represents becoming open, relaxed, or removing a barrier).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'пересечь' (to cross a space). 'Uncross' is the opposite of 'скрестить' (to cross limbs).
- Do not translate as 'расстроиться' (to get upset). It is purely physical.
Common Mistakes
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'I uncrossed' is wrong; must have an object: 'I uncrossed my legs').
- Using it for abstract concepts (e.g., 'uncross the plans' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In a body language seminar, what might 'uncrossing your arms' most likely signal?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. Its opposite, 'cross' (in the sense of crossing limbs), is far more common.
Yes, but it's rare. You can uncross ankles, fingers, or even physical objects like cables or swords, but these uses are much less frequent.
There is no direct, commonly used noun form. You would use a phrase like 'the act of uncrossing' or 'an uncrossed position'.
Yes. 'Unfold' is more general (unfold a map, unfold your arms). 'Uncross' is specific to undoing a crossing motion where two things were placed over/under each other (like legs in an X shape).