That's a little hard with my hands up

Topstudent

Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2020
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Danish
Home Country
Denmark
Current Location
Denmark
I'm writing a dialog:
Officer: Put your hands up. Now. (then) Did you steal anything?
Man: No.
Officer: Show me your pockets.
Man: That's a little hard with my/(the) hands up. / That's a little hard when I have my/(the) hands up. / That's a little hard if I can't take my/(the) hands down.

What would be natural here?
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
That's a little hard with my hands up.
That's a little hard when I have my hands up.
That's a little hard if I can't put my hands down.
See above.
 

probus

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 7, 2011
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
Canada
Current Location
Canada
"Show me your pockets" would probably baffle a policeman. It certainly puzzles me because it is unnatural. In my region a cop would say "Empty your pockets".
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 5jj
Top