Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.), Godan verb with 'ku' ending
to fold one's arms
彼はなにもしないで手をこまねいているだけだった。He did nothing but fold his arms. to stand and watch (without interfering); to stand idly by; to look on with folded arms
to lie in wait; to be ready and waiting
Colloquial
Also written 手を拱く【てをこまねく】