poised

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.

See also: for, poise

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.

See also: over, poise

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.

See also: for, poised

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.

See also: poised, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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.

See also: for, poised

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

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.