hands in the pocket

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hands in the pocket" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a casual or relaxed posture, often implying a lack of engagement or involvement in a situation. Example: "He stood at the back of the room with his hands in the pocket, seemingly uninterested in the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In his soft-spoken way, Cabrera stood before his locker with his hands in the pocket of his hoodie, not sure how to describe his feelings.

The New York Times - Sports

Even when telling of her flowering career — her film "Waitress" was about to make its debut at the Sundance Film Festival — and his relationship with her, he spoke in a flat, unemotional voice, even as he thrust his hands in the pocket of his gray suit and called her "the love of my life".

The New York Times

As she drove off, she saw the client standing on the sidewalk with his hands in the pocket of his hoodie, watching her.

Vice

Put your hands in the pocket or place where you are keeping your iPod in so nobody can just look at your pocket and see the iPod and tell on you.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Alexander Hanson's Ward has the right insinuating, hands-in-the-pockets (his own, not anyone else's) charm.

The Guardian

Cerys Matthews for radio company on the drive up.Two sweater, hands-in-the-pockets weather, the sort where no slip fielder really wants a screamer first up.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlike the weather the first two rounds, the conditions were dig-the-hands-in-the-pocket cold when Woods and his nearest challenger, Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, teed off.

The New York Times - Sports

We continue this act out by my car with a lovely little eighties style, hand-in-the-back-pocket makeout sesh next to the meter.

Huffington Post

George hunched deeper into his coat, hands jammed in the pockets.

The New Yorker

The Garridos sat placidly in court, hands in the pockets of their orange jumpsuits.

The New York Times

They leaned back in their chairs, hands in the pockets of their oversized sweatshirts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hands in the pocket" to describe a posture of casualness, introspection, or an attempt to hide something. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "hands in the pocket" as a default description without considering the character's emotional state or the situation. Overusing the phrase can make your writing repetitive and less impactful. Consider the character's intent. Is he casual or trying to hide something?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hands in the pocket" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, noun, or adjective. It adds descriptive detail, indicating a specific posture or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hands in the pocket" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves primarily to describe a posture, suggesting various potential states like casualness or nervousness. Its register is neutral, making it appropriate for diverse contexts, but is most frequently found in News & Media. While its usage is straightforward, avoid overusing it without considering the specific implications of the posture. Alternative phrases, such as "hands buried in pockets", offer nuanced variations. As seen in the Ludwig examples, understanding the context is key to using the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hands buried in pockets

Emphasizes the act of concealing or sheltering the hands within the pockets.

hands stuck in pockets

Highlights a reluctance to engage or a feeling of being trapped.

hands nestled in pockets

Implies comfort and relaxation.

hands placed inside pockets

A more formal way of describing the action.

palms inside pockets

Specifically mentions the palms being inside, adding detail.

fingers in the pocket

Focuses on the fingers, suggesting fidgeting or nervousness.

digits tucked in pocket

A more uncommon and somewhat humorous variation.

mitts deep in the pocket

Uses slang term 'mitts' for hands to express casualness.

appendages into the pocket

A humorous and uncommon way of describing the placement of hands.

grips hidden inside pockets

Emphasizes concealment and a potential for a firm hold.

FAQs

How can I use "hands in the pocket" in a sentence?

The phrase "hands in the pocket" can be used to describe someone's posture, often suggesting casualness, nervousness, or introspection. For example, "He stood there, "hands in the pocket", observing the scene quietly."

What does it imply when someone has their hands in their pockets?

Having "hands in the pocket" can suggest various emotions or intentions, such as casualness, a desire to hide something, nervousness, or introspection. The specific meaning depends heavily on the context and the person's overall demeanor.

Are there any negative connotations associated with having "hands in the pocket"?

While often neutral, "hands in the pocket" can sometimes suggest a lack of engagement, disinterest, or even suspicion, depending on the situation. It might imply that someone is not fully participating or is concealing something.

What are some alternative ways to describe someone with their hands in their pockets?

Instead of saying "hands in the pocket", you could use phrases like "hands buried in pockets", "hands stuck in pockets", or describe the specific reason they might have their hands in their pockets, such as "He was trying to keep his hands warm."