What do clasped hands mean in body language?

Talk Nerdy To Me’s @StaffWriter:

Hand gestures and hand placement are very expressive when it comes to body language. Hands can convey a lot of emotion and internal thoughts that reveal more than the person's words.

Because hands, fingers, and arms are so versatile, it can be complicated to discern the meaning behind different motions or list of body language and their meanings, for arms, hands, legs and feet. Even if someone tries to hide what they are really thinking, their hand signals can tell you the truth.

When someone clasps their hands, it can mean several different things. As always, context and culture matter. With that said, let's look at the answer to the question, "What do clasped hands mean in body language?"

10 Things Clasped Hands Mean in Body Language

Clasped hands are one of the most common forms of body language people ask about online. It can be confusing when someone clasps their hands around you, in the middle of a conversation, or even in a video.

Here are 10 things clasped hands mean in body language.

Hand Gestures: The Person Is Feeling Nervous or Anxious

When we clasp our hands, it's usually because we're trying to comfort ourselves or protect ourselves from some perceived threat. The gesture helps us to feel more in control and safe.

It's often seen as a sign of vulnerability, anxiety, and nervousness.

Clasping our hands is a way of saying, "I'm feeling anxious right now, but I'm trying to hold it together." When you see someone with their hands clasped, try to be understanding and compassionate.

They may just need a little extra support at that moment.

Hand Gestures: The Person Is Trying to Control Their Body Language or Emotions

When people clasp their hands, it might be an attempt to control their body language or emotions. When we feel uncomfortable, our bodies tend to betray us with tells like fidgeting, sweating, and avoiding eye contact.

Clasping our hands can help us to feel more in control and prevent these outward signs of nerves.

In addition, pressing our palms together can help to reduce stress and calm the mind. You might be surprised at how effective this simple gesture can be.

Hand Gestures: The Person Is Hiding Something

When people clasp their hands, it might be because they're hiding something. Maybe they're holding back their true feelings, or maybe they're trying to keep a secret.

It could also be that they're trying to keep themselves from saying something they'll regret.

Therefore, if you see someone clasp their hands, consider whether they have anything to hide. Brainstorm all the possibilities. By doing so, you can sometimes figure out what they want to hide almost as if you were psychic.

Hand Gestures: The Person Is Feeling Tense or Angry

If their hands are clasped in front of them, like on a table or resting in front of them when their elbows are placed on their knees, they are probably experiencing mild tension. This behavior is often exhibited in waiting rooms.

When people clasp their hands, they might feel tense or angry.

It's a natural human reaction to feel intense emotions when our hands are bound together. The act of folding our hands into one another is a physical manifestation of the emotional state we're trying to control.

We're trying to keep our feelings bottled up, but the pressure only makes them harder to ignore.

Clasping our hands is a way of telling ourselves to stay calm, but it doesn't always work. The physical sensation of being constricted can actually heighten our anxiety and make us feel more agitated.

Hand Gestures: The Person Is Hoping for the Best

When people clasp their hands, they're hoping for the best.

This gesture has been used throughout history to symbolize begging or praying. It's a desperate hopefulness driven by apprehension. Whether it's for a job interview, a first date, or an important meeting, we've all clasped our hands at one point or another. And while the reasons may vary, the sentiment is always the same: we want things to go well. We're hoping for the best possible outcome.

Clasped hands can represent our most vulnerable selves.

They remind us that we can't control everything and that sometimes we need to rely on others. They show our faith and trust in the world, even when things feel uncertain.

Hand Gestures: The Person Is Thinking Deeply

When people clasp their hands, they might be lost in thought. This gesture is often seen as a sign of concentration or deep thought.

It's not always easy to think with a clear head. Sometimes we need to physically ground ourselves in order to focus on the task at hand.

By clasping our hands, we're creating a physical anchor that can help us to focus our thoughts. The act of pressing our palms together helps to quiet the mind and allows us to think more clearly.

Hand Gestures: The Person Is Insecure Generally

When people clasp their hands, it might be because they're insecure generally. Maybe they don't feel comfortable in their own skin, or they don't feel like they fit in.

Clasping our hands is a way of creating a barrier between ourselves and the world. It's a way of saying, "I'm not sure about this, but I'm going to try anyway."

Sometimes people usually feel confident.

However, they get into new situations where their clasped hands belay their internal discomfort.

Hand Gestures: The Person Is Showing Open Palms

In ancient times, open palms were used to show that no weapons were being concealed. Today, the palm(s) facing up is still commonly used as a gesture with various meanings around a main theme of openness. Open palms usually have a positive effect on people. It conveys confidence. It's effective in making amends or closing a sale. Combined with outstretched arms, it communicates acceptance, openness and trustworthiness.

Body Language: What Do Clasped Hands Mean on a First Date?

Clasped hands on a first date usually mean one of two things: either the person is really interested in you and wants to make a good impression, or they're extremely nervous and are holding on tight to avoid making any awkward missteps.

In either case, it's generally a good sign.

If someone is holding your hand tightly, it means they might feel a strong connection with you and are hoping to build on that. If they're nervously clutching at your hand, it means they're trying to keep their cool around you and want to make sure the date goes well.

Body Language: What Do Clasped Hands Mean During a Public Appearance?

We've all seen it happen: a politician or public figure takes the stage, and as they step up to the microphone, their hands instinctively come together in a gesture of clasped hands. But what does this gesture mean? Is it simply a way to steady nerves before a big speech? Or is there something more going on?

Interestingly, the meaning of clasped hands can vary depending on the culture. In some cultures, clasped hands are seen as a sign of respect, while in others they may be seen as a sign of submission. In still other cultures, the gesture may have no specific meaning at all. Given the range of interpretation, it's not surprising that many public figures prefer to err on the side of caution by avoiding the gesture altogether.

So, what do clasped hands mean during a public appearance?

It could be any number of things or nothing at all. Most commonly, it is a sign of nervousness.