The Meaning of Crossing the Legs

Defensive Barrier (Withdrawal Attitude)

Crossing the legs, like crossing the arms, is fundamentally a barrier gesture.

It shows an attitude of retreat, defensiveness or protection. It is a gesture that protects the genital area and shows negativity or insecurity.

If a person has both arms and legs crossed, it is an unmistakable sign that they have completely closed themselves off to the conversation or idea being presented to them. It is a defensive fortress.

Sometimes people cross their legs because they "want to stay"; that is, their brain knows they should not leave (out of politeness), so they "lock" their legs to physically prevent escape.

Posture (Competitiveness, dominance)

This predominantly but not exclusively male posture occurs when one person places the ankle of one leg over the knee of the other, forming a "number 4".

It is not a closing posture, but quite the opposite: it is a posture of territorial openness that indicates competitiveness and confidence.

The person occupies more space and often exposes the crotch, a sign of dominance. This posture can be perceived as arrogant.

If the person additionally holds the leg elevated with the hands, it creates a "lock". This reinforces the posture and indicates a stubborn, inflexible attitude and rejection of the opinions of others.

It is important to note that in many Arab and Asian cultures, showing the sole of the shoe (as often occurs in this posture) is a serious insult.

Ankles crossed (Reservation, anxiety, fear).

A much more subtle but very revealing gesture is to cross the ankles, often tucking them under the chair. This is not a relaxed posture.

It is a gesture of self-restraint indicating that the person is "biting their tongue" or holding back a negative emotion, such as anxiety, fear, nervousness, or reserve.

It is a very common defensive posture in stressful situations where the person feels vulnerable or threatened, such as in a dentist's waiting room, before a job interview or during an exam.

It is often accompanied by clenched fists or tightly gripping the arms of the chair.

Exit posture (Ready to go).

There is a specific sitting posture that clearly indicates that the person wants to end the conversation and leave.

It occurs when the person moves one leg back, bending it under the chair, and the other leg is placed in front, with the foot planted on the floor.

It is often combined with placing the hands on the knees or arms of the chair and leaning forward. It is literally the posture prior to standing up.

If you see this, it is an unmistakable signal to conclude the conversa