British usage question

[kindkit]

Question for you British folks: is the phrase "X folded his hands" (meaning this) an Americanism? Or at least a phrase that's not used in British English?

If it's not British, how would you describe someone doing that with their hands

Comments

[ansketil_rose]

I believe it is... though I've always pictured "folded his hands" as indicating that he placed one on top of the other. I'd probably describe the pic as "laced his fingers together".

[kindkit]

Okay, thanks. Interlacing (or not) the fingers isn't crucial to what I mean; I just need a word for the character bringing his hands together.

[entropy_house]

I'm not British, but I'd always thought of folded hands as the fingers of one hand being outside the fingers of the other hand, cupping them. I'd call your image 'interlaced' or 'interwoven' fingers.

[kindkit]

Well, the interlacing of the fingers isn't actually crucial to what I mean, just bringing/holding the hands together. Thanks!

[gileonnen]

As an American, I second the folk who have already responded.

[kindkit]

Thanks!

[lilacsigil]

I don't think I've ever used the phrase "folded his hands" but I would understand it to mean placing one hand over the other, not lacing the fingers.

[kindkit]

That's actually more what I mean anyway--I should've chosen a better picture. I just need a verb for the character bringing and keeping his hands together to hide the fact that they're shaking.

Thanks!

[vilakins]

I'd say he clasped his hands together. Just how is up to the imagination of the reader. :-)

[kindkit]

Ah, I think that will work. Thank you!