Cocking a brow

[Over the top]

What does it mean? Is it American or Br English

 

[BobSmith]

Some context might help. I've never heard this phrase (as an idiom) but it sounds like "raising eyebrows" to me.

 

[bhaisahab]

Some context might help. I've never heard this phrase (as an idiom) but it sounds like "raising eyebrows" to me.

I've never heard it either.

 

[BobK]

Some context might help. I've never heard this phrase (as an idiom) but it sounds like "raising eyebrows" to me.

It sounds like that. but the raiser of eyebrows is the person who does the shocking. I'd assume, without any context, it means 'raise an eyebrow' - show surprise. But I too hane never met it.

b

PS I've only every met cocking in collocation with hats, and - very rarely now - in the expression 'cocking a snook' (showing disrespect/impudence...)

 

[Over the top]

No context. It was used repeatedly in a story. Something like he cocked his brow I cocked my brow he answered cocking a brow I questioned cocking a brow and so on

 

[BobK]

PPS This sort of 'cock' (meaning something like 'tip' - tip over that is) is enshrined in the adjective 'cock-eyed'.

b

 

[Over the top]

But I too hane never met it

So what does hane mean?
The author is a teenager from west Virginia if anyone is interested.

 

[Rover_KE]

It's a typo for have.

 

[Over the top]

It's a typo for have.

Hahaha I looked hane in three dictionaries what a waste of time

 

[5jj]

I've cocked an eyebrow or two in my time, but never just a brow.

 

[BobK]

It's a typo for have.

The proximity of the v and th n keys conspired with a mental rush to the negative

b

 

[BobK]

I've cocked an eyebrow or two in my time, but never just a brow.

Now I think of it, 'cocking a brow' a bit like 'looking askance'; but nowadays people are more likely to give someone 'an old-fashioned look'. ;-)

b

 

[BobSmith]

Now I think of it, 'cocking a brow' a bit like 'looking askance'

Is that anything like 'standing akimbo'?

 

[BobK]

Is that anything like 'standing akimbo'?

Should be ;-)

For students, I should point out that BS's post is a joke - 'akimbo'. like 'askance' doesn't workd as a free-standing word; the two expressions involved are:

• 'Looking askance' - being obviously dubious about something.
• 'Arms akimbo' - with hands on hips and elbows sticking out. A rugby player standing with his arms akimbo and looking askance, thinking 'Call that a pass?' is commonly said to be giving the other player 'the old double teapot' (well, commonly among rugby commentators - I haven't heard this in any other context)

b