poise (oneself) for (something)

To steady, brace, or otherwise prepare oneself for something. I poised myself for the boss's criticism at the meeting. Many companies are poising themselves for an expected tumble in the stock market this week. He poised himself for impact with the other car.

poise over (someone or something)

To stand in a steady, anticipatory position over someone or something. I woke with a fright to see my son poised over me, waiting with tears in his eyes for me to wake up. The cat poised over the mouse whole, ready to pounce the moment the rodent emerged.

poised for (something)

Braced, prepared, or ready for something that is about to happen. We were all poised for the huge workload the project would bring. The two combatants stood facing each other in the ring, poised for the fight to begin.

poised to (do something)

Braced, prepared, or ready to do something in the immediate future. We were all poised to work long hours to finish the project in time for the holidays. The cobra reared its head up with its hood flared out, so I knew it was poised to strike.

poised for something

ready for something; in the right position and waiting for something. The cat stared at the mouse, poised for action. The army was poised for battle.

poised to do something

ready to do something; in the right position to do something. The cat is poised to jump on the mouse. The army is poised to attack at dawn.

See also: poised, to

See also:

References in periodicals archive

No question about it: digital marketplaces (DMPs) -- also called digital exchanges -- are poised to shake up the global B2B arena.

Critical Issues for Digital Exchanges

Eoin Jess (left) is poised to make his debut after joining Bradford for three months on loan from Aberdeen.

Football: Leicester v Bradford

We have seen many changes in the optical storage arena and are poised to see the conversion to DVD storage in the next year or so.

NAS Devices Come To The Fore

Vanguarde is poised to be the most impactful black magazine publisher since the founding of Earl G.

30 for the next 30

After much experimenting and modifying, USA is now poised to roll out the format in four more markets by the end of this year.

Feldman tops USA station group

However, the dismissal of Matthew Wood, caught by Nash off Phil Tufnell off the last ball of the day, leaves the game evenly poised overnight.

Greg blows Yorkshire on course; Yorks v Middx

But with twenty-three dancers on thirty-two-week contracts, a $4.2 million season budget that includes the Nutcracker costs, more than fifty works, and a cadre of extremely promising young dancers that includes Michael Rios, John Ross, Fabrice Lemine, Tracy Julias, Elizabeth Lewis, and Tracy Taylor, Oregon Ballet seems poised to take its place in Portland's cultural firmament.

Rite of (Northwest Passage)

"We feel we're well poised technically to continue our diversification program as well as to meet current customer needs," says CEO Howlett.

Omaha Steel Castings: diversifying for future growth

Within a poised public speaker there exists a mental and emotional balance that gives him complete control of his thinking before he speaks or acts.

Poised for confidence

Given the popularity and swift adoption, music streaming is poised for global domination.

Music streaming to rule globally this year: Report

Completions rose 1.9% to a new cycle high, and are poised for a solid 11% growth clip for 2018 overall.

The May report on housing starts beat estimates

My daughter, little Lucy, is eager to explore Tiny fingers are poised, ready to open up a door To find what surprise lies hidden inside Like a game of peek-a-boo, where lots of things do hide.

LITTLE LUCY; Your Poem

-Cambodian insurance sector poised for growth

STEPHEN IRELAND is poised to follow Shay Given to Doncaster.

Two Irish Rovers set for Donny; Football Spy; THE ORIGINAL GOSSIP COLUMN... LATEST NEWS... THE BIGGEST MOVES... EVERY SINGLE DAY

Outspoken Stacey, played by Lacey Turner, is poised to flee Albert Square when furious Janine discovers the truth behind Archie Mitchell's murder exactly one year ago.

Stacey on the edge