1.
unarmed; without weapons
Originally, a samurai without a sword at the waist. Now used literally for being without weapons or figuratively for being unprepared or defenseless.
丸腰で戦う。
To fight unarmed.
犯人は丸腰だった。
The suspect was unarmed.
武器を持った相手に丸腰で立ち向かった。
He stood up to an armed opponent while unarmed.
2.
unprepared; defenseless; empty-handed
Figuratively, going into a situation without the tools, knowledge, or preparation needed. Entering a confrontation or negotiation at a disadvantage.
資料も用意せず丸腰で会議に出た。
I went to the meeting unprepared, without any materials.
交渉の場に丸腰で行くわけにはいかない。
I can't go to the negotiation table empty-handed.
丸腰で面接に臨んだが、意外と上手くいった。
I went into the interview unprepared, but it went surprisingly well.
From 丸 (bare/completely) + 腰 (waist/hip). In the samurai era, swords were worn at the waist, so 丸腰 meant a bare waist — no sword. Used as a no-adjective modifier (丸腰の).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 丸腰で挑む: to take on a challenge unarmed/unprepared
- 丸腰の状態: an unarmed/defenseless state
- 丸腰で立ち向かう: to face something defenseless
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 素手: bare-handed — emphasizes using only one's hands, without tools or weapons
- 無防備: defenseless; unguarded — emphasizes vulnerability and lack of defense
- {手ぶら}: empty-handed — refers to not carrying anything; often used casually for visiting without gifts