# body English

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/body-english
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A body motion made to coax an object already propelled to go in a desired direction.

## Examples

- He used body English to help the ball roll into the hole.
- As the bowling ball curved toward the gutter, she used intense body English to try to steer it back.
- The golfer twisted his torso in a desperate display of body English, hoping to influence the ball's trajectory as it neared the cup.

## Origin

First attested 1908.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.