OpenEtymology

hand-wringing

UKˈhænd rɪŋɪŋUSˈhænd rɪŋɪŋ

Meaning

1n.

焦虑不安;(尤指)故作姿态的担忧

Structure

word structure
1
hand
手
+
2
wringing
扭绞

Usage

The government's hand-wringing over the crisis did little to reassure the public.

政府对危机的焦虑不安几乎未能安抚公众。

She dismissed his concerns as mere hand-wringing without any real action.

她认为他的担忧只是毫无实际行动的故作姿态。

There was much hand-wringing among parents about the new school policy.

家长们对新学校政策感到十分焦虑。

Etymology

该复合词由 hand(手)和 wringing(扭绞)直接构成,字面意为“扭绞双手”。这一动作在多种文化中传统上用以表达极度焦虑、无助或悲伤的情绪。词义从具体动作引申为一种状态或行为,常带贬义,暗示过度或表演性的担忧。

Analysis

Structure
hand-wringing=hand手+wringing扭绞

• hand:源自古英语 hand,意为“手”,象征身体部位和行动。

• wringing:源自 wring(动词),意为“扭绞、拧”,描述双手因焦虑而扭绞的动作。

词源溯源:该复合词由 hand(手)和 wringing(扭绞)直接构成,字面意为“扭绞双手”。这一动作在多种文化中传统上用以表达极度焦虑、无助或悲伤的情绪。词义从具体动作引申为一种状态或行为,常带贬义,暗示过度或表演性的担忧。

Hand-wringing Meaning, Examples & Word Origin | OpenEtymology