The phrase "move hands and knees" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /muːv hændz ænd niːz/. "Move" is pronounced with the long "oo" sound as in "food," followed by the "v" sound. "Hands" is pronounced with a short "a" sound as in "cat," followed by the "ndz" sound. "Knees" is pronounced with a long "ee" sound as in "bee," followed by the "z" sound. This phrase is commonly used to describe crawling on one's hands and knees.
The phrase "move hands and knees" refers to a physical action where an individual supports their body by placing their weight on their hands and knees, while moving in a crawling or creeping motion. This movement is reminiscent of an infant crawling or a quadruped animal such as a dog or a cat.
The action of moving hands and knees typically involves bending the elbows and positioning the hands beneath the shoulders, with the knees touching or slightly apart on the ground. The person then propels themselves forward by pushing off the ground with their hands and knees, alternately moving the left hand with the right knee and vice versa.
This type of movement is commonly associated with various activities such as crawling under obstacles, navigating through tight spaces, or performing certain exercises or physical therapies. It often requires strength, coordination, and balance as the body maintains contact with the ground.
Additionally, the phrase "move hands and knees" can be metaphorically used to describe a situation where someone is in a vulnerable or subservient position. It implies a position of humility, submission, or desperation, akin to begging or pleading for assistance. This figurative usage highlights the body movement as a physical manifestation of a psychological or emotional state, emphasizing the significance of the actions performed on hands and knees.