The phrase "going all fours" refers to a posture where someone or something is moving on hands and feet, like a quadruped. The spelling of "going" is standard, but the pronunciation of "all fours" can be tricky: the first word, "all," is pronounced /ɒl/, while the second word, "fours," is pronounced /fɔːz/. This is because "four" becomes "fours" due to its position as an object in the phrase. So, to say this phrase correctly, you need to stress the /z/ sound at the end of "fours."
Going all fours is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of moving on one's hands and knees, with all four limbs engaged. It is often associated with animals, especially quadrupeds, when they are in a crawling position. This phrase can also be used metaphorically to signify adopting a desperate or submissive stance, imitating the behavior of an animal subject to domination.
When applied literally, going all fours refers to the physical movement of an individual on their hands and knees. It may be observed in various scenarios, such as when a person is playing with children, cleaning a low surface, or engaging in certain exercises. This posture is characterized by the body resting on the hands and knees, with the weight evenly distributed between all four limbs.
Figuratively, going all fours represents a state of helplessness or vulnerability. It implies a situation where one is willing to surrender their power or dignity, often due to fear, submission, or subordination. This phrase can be applied to both human and animal behavior, illustrating a lack of autonomy or a reliance on others for domination or subservience.
In summary, going all fours refers to the physical act of moving on hands and knees or adopting a submissive stance. It can describe both animal-like behavior and metaphorically convey a state of submission or vulnerability.