French translation of idly is 
bras croisés

Meaning of "idly" in English

"Idly" refers to the act of doing something without a particular reason, purpose, or effort. It can describe actions taken without aim or laziness, such as lounging around not engaged in any productive task. This word can also imply a passive stance, where one might watch situations unfold without intervening or caring enough to act on them. It is often used to capture moments of inactivity or a lack of motivation to start or complete tasks.

Meaning of "bras croisés" in French

"Bras croisés" translates to "crossed arms" in English. This phrase describes the physical posture where an individual folds their arms across their chest. It can indicate a variety of emotions or attitudes, including defensiveness, displeasure, contemplation, or simply a relaxed stance. In French cultural contexts, "bras croisés" could also suggest nonchalance or being unapproachable, depending on the situation and body language cues.

Pronunciation of "idly" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈaɪd.li/.
Pronunciation Variations: In some English dialects, particularly in certain British regions, there may be a subtler or less pronounced "d" sound, almost merging the syllables together as /ˈaɪl.i/.

Pronunciation of "bras croisés" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /bʁa kʁwa.ze/.
Pronunciation Variations: There are minimal variations across Francophone regions, though subtle differences might appear in vowel openness or the strength of the French "r", depending on local accents.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. She sat idly by the window, watching the rain.
   (Elle était assise bras croisés près de la fenêtre, regardant la pluie.)

2. He spent the afternoon idly flipping through magazines.
   (Il a passé l'après-midi, les bras croisés, à feuilleter des magazines.)

3. The cat lay idly in the sunbeam on the floor.
   (Le chat était étendu, les bras croisés, dans le rayon de soleil au sol.)

4. They watched idly as the parade passed by.
   (Ils ont regardé, bras croisés, le défilé passer.)

5. She whistled idly while working.
   (Elle sifflait, bras croisés, en travaillant.)

6. The students chatted idly before class started.
   (Les étudiants bavardaient, les bras croisés, avant le début du cours.)

7. He listened idly to the radio playing in the background.
   (Il écoutait, les bras croisés, la radio en arrière-plan.)

8. She stirred her coffee idly with a spoon.
   (Elle a remué son café, les bras croisés, avec une cuillère.)

9. The wind blew idly through the empty streets.
   (Le vent soufflait, bras croisés, dans les rues vides.)

10. The kids idly kicked pebbles along the road.
    (Les enfants ont donné des coups de pied, bras croisés, aux cailloux le long de la route.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "idly" in English

Synonyms: aimlessly, lazily, leisurely, indolently, nonchalantly, apathetically, casually, inertly, passively, listlessly.

Antonyms: purposefully, actively, energetically, diligently, busily, industriously, dynamically, vigorously, intently, attentively.

Similar Words: unhurriedly, carelessly, relaxedly, languidly, blithely, coolly, serenely, placidly, inattentively, unfocused.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "bras croisés" in French

Synonyms: posture fermée, bras en croix, replié.

Antonyms: bras ouverts, posture ouverte, accueillant.

Similar Words: attitude fermée, position defensive, nonchalance, réserve, distanciation.

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