"Crawled on fours" is a phrase that describes an animal moving on all four legs, such as a dog or a cat. The word "fours" is spelled with the letter "o" and not "u" because it represents the sound /ɔː/ in the IPA phonetic transcription. This sound is commonly found in words like "paw" or "saw". The word "crawled" is spelled as expected, with the sound /krɔːld/ represented by the letters "c", "r", "a", "w", "l", and "e".
The phrase "crawled on fours" describes an action involving a person or animal moving on their hands and knees or hands and feet with their body close to the ground. It implies a slow, deliberate, and somewhat laborious movement as if imitating the gait of certain animals like a dog or a baby learning to crawl.
The act of crawling on fours is often associated with beings that have a quadrupedal anatomy, but can also be used metaphorically to describe someone moving in a similar manner despite having a bipedal structure. This phrase not only refers to the physical act of crawling but also suggests a sense of vulnerability, subordination, or submission, as it is often seen as an action done when one is humbled or in a lower position relative to others.
The phrase can be used in various contexts. For example, it could describe a child exploring the world by crawling on all fours, or it could depict a person in a state of exhaustion or pain, moving with great difficulty. Additionally, it could be used metaphorically to convey an act of imploring or begging, emphasizing a person's desperation or need for assistance.
Overall, the phrase "crawled on fours" conveys a vivid image of a person or animal moving on their hands and knees or hands and feet, often signaling a sense of vulnerability, humility, or desperation.