Meaning & use
assume the position
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
An order to stand or lean in a set posture, usually hands on a wall or car, so an officer can search you.
Grammar: Usually spoken as a command: 'Assume the position!' The verb can change tense: he assumed the position.
Patterns
- tell someone to assume the position
The officer told the suspect to assume the position against the squad car.
In the film, the guard barks, 'Assume the position,' and the prisoners turn to face the wall.
The man assumed the position and waited quietly to be searched.
phrasefixed phrasehumorous
Humorously, to get into the expected posture or state for something unpleasant or routine, such as a checkup or exercise.
Grammar: Used jokingly; the verb takes tenses: we all assume the position.
Patterns
- assume the position for something
When the dentist walked in, I sighed and assumed the position in the chair.
Every morning at six, the whole team assumes the position for stretches.
At the airport scanner, travelers assumed the position with arms raised.
Word forms
| third person singular | assumes the position |
|---|---|
| past tense | assumed the position |
| past participle | assumed the position |
| -ing form | assuming the position |
Common combinations
- told to assume the position
- The suspect was told to assume the position.
- assume the position against the wall
- He had to assume the position against the wall.
- quickly assume the position
- The runners quickly assumed the position on the starting line.
- ordered to assume the position
- The passengers were ordered to assume the position during the drill.
Synonyms and how they differ
- spread 'em
- Spread 'em is blunter slang that tells someone to part their legs and arms for a search, and it sounds harsher than assume the position.
- get in position
- Get in position is neutral and covers any readiness, whereas assume the position suggests a search or a ritual.
- take your places
- Take your places is a polite call to move to assigned spots, with no hint of a search.
Opposites
Word family
- assume verb
- to take on a role or posture
- position noun
- the way a body is placed
- assumption noun
- the act of taking something on
Commonly confused: assume the position or presume?
assume the position vs presume
Presume means to suppose something is true, while assume in this phrase means to move into a posture.
Practice
The officer raised his voice and said, '______', pointing to the wall.
Choose one answer.
The set phrase is 'assume the position'. 'Presume' means to suppose, and the other options are not idioms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “assume the position”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.