Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

Don't move a muscle

Is that common ? meaning *don't move*

[bud]

It's somewhat common, and yes, it means "don't move." It would be said as a command when you want to make it clear that you are very serious - maybe a cop who comes upon someone with a weapon, or someone who sees a wasp on his friend's hair.

It is also used to mean that you plan on relaxing completely. You've been working long hours for the past six months, so next week on vacation you are not going to move a muscle.