spread-eagle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'spread-eagle' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe an object or a person that is spread out wide in a V-shape or with arms and legs spread wide apart. For example, "The eagle spread its wings in a magnificent spread-eagle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Monstrous spread-eagle dunks were few.

The New York Times - Sports

"The soldiers getting men against the wall, kicking their legs spread-eagle.

The New Yorker

When gliding, they assume a spread-eagle posture, and the patagia unfold.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was quite an effort owing to the spread-eagle manner in which he lay.

Independent

The goal is to rest atop your partner's feet, arms spread-eagle and toes pointed.

The New York Times - Health

Forrest dropped in a spread-eagle position, slumping against the ropes.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The Spread Eagle is an old coaching inn and the garden is the old coach yard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are specialized positions — sidesaddle, spread eagle — and identical poses whose names add nuance: prostrate, supine, decubitus, shavasana.

The New Yorker

Instead, the skier performs such jumps as the daffy (with one ski extended forward, the other backward) or the spread eagle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All three handed out gold-embossed cartes de visite bearing a heraldic shield (spread eagle, lions rampant), which, I noticed, was reminiscent of the Aiglon coat of arms.

The New Yorker

Last year, after Duke beat Butler in this game, his knees buckled, and he fell flat on his back, spread eagle at midcourt, as confetti swirled all around.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spread-eagle" to vividly describe a posture or position where limbs are extended widely, whether for literal description or figurative emphasis.

Common error

While descriptive, "spread-eagle" can sound informal or even vulgar in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "fully extended" or "outstretched" in these contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread-eagle" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe a specific posture or position characterized by limbs extended outwards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a body or object spread wide. For example, "spread-eagle position".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spread-eagle" is a descriptive term primarily used as an adjective to depict a posture with limbs extended outwards. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. While common in News & Media and Science contexts, its informality suggests caution in formal settings. Alternatives like "outstretched" or "splayed" may be more suitable depending on the context. Remember, the key is to use "spread-eagle" when you want a vivid description of a wide, extended posture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

splayed

Implies a wider, more awkward or uncontrolled extension than "spread-eagle".

legs apart

Focuses only on the legs and their separation, lacking the full-body implication of "spread-eagle".

outstretched

Focuses on the action of extending something, such as arms or legs, without necessarily implying a wide angle.

at full stretch

Highlights the limit of extension, suggesting maximum reach or effort.

fully extended

Similar to "extended" but with added emphasis on the degree of extension.

extended

A general term for making something longer or wider, lacking the specific imagery of "spread-eagle".

flat out

Suggests lying horizontally with limbs extended, but doesn't necessarily imply a wide angle.

wide open

Emphasizes the openness or exposure resulting from the spreading, rather than the act itself.

arms akimbo

Specifically refers to arms bent with hands on hips, creating a wide angle, but not applicable to legs.

unfurled

Suggests opening something that was previously rolled or folded up, and shares some concept about extension.

FAQs

How can I use "spread-eagle" in a sentence?

You can use "spread-eagle" to describe a position where someone's limbs are widely extended, for example, "The suspect was told to "spread-eagle" against the wall during the search".

What does "spread-eagle" mean?

The term "spread-eagle" means to lie or stand with limbs extended outward in a wide "V" shape. It can also describe something boastful or exaggerated.

What are some alternatives to "spread-eagle"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "outstretched", "splayed", or "fully extended".

Is "spread-eagle" considered offensive?

While not inherently offensive, "spread-eagle" can be perceived as suggestive or vulgar depending on the context. Use discretion, especially in formal settings.