square around

C1 informal inseparable intransitive

In simple words

To turn your body to face someone, ready for a fight or argument

Literal meaning: To square means to position your body so your shoulders are facing forward like the sides of a square; 'around' suggests turning

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

rare

To turn around to face someone, often in a challenging or combative manner

"He squared around to face his accuser and denied everything."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Rare in modern standard English. Mainly found in older texts or regional American English. 'Square up' is the far more common equivalent in modern usage. ESL learners are unlikely to need this phrase actively.

Commonly used with

opponent challenger

Forms

Base

square around

I/you/we/they

3rd person

squares around

he/she/it

Past simple

squared around

yesterday

Past participle

squared around

have + pp

-ing form

squaring around

continuous

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Synonyms

square up turn to face confront face up to

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