Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[sejpdw]

In the underlined part, I think "with weapons in hand" is a right expression. What's your opinion?

"It is said that shaking hands originated in medieval times. In those days, when a man coame upon a stranger, he would often automatically reach for his dagger with his right hand, in case he had to use the weapon to defend himself. Sometimes, both parties found themselves circling around each other, [u]weapons in hand[/u], until it was mutually agreed that the weapons could be laid aside. Then, the two parties extended their right hands to show that they held no weapons and clasped them together."

[CP]

Yes, it is right. Short for "with their weapons in their hands."
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb