Couching

Couching, primarily used as a gerund or participle, encompasses a variety of related actions. It most broadly refers to the act of presenting something in a particular manner, often to persuade or influence. This can involve using specific language, framing, or techniques to shape how information is received. It can also directly mean the physical act of lying down or resting. Furthermore, it can refer to lowering a weapon, especially a lance, into a position ready for attack. The context heavily dictates the precise meaning and connotations. Importantly, it's often associated with careful or strategic presentation rather than simple, neutral description. The act implies intention; an underlying goal in how something is expressed or positioned. The verb, 'to couch', derives from the French word 'coucher', which means to lie down.

Couching meaning with examples

• The politician was accused of couching his policies in misleading terms, playing on people's fears to gain support. His careful word choice, avoiding direct answers, seemed designed to deflect scrutiny. He employed loaded language, creating a false narrative, expertly couching complex issues for mass appeal. His intention was clearly to manipulate public opinion, and his skill in couching his proposals was undeniable, even if controversial.
• After a long day hiking, she was looking forward to couching herself on the comfortable sofa and relaxing. The feeling of weariness finally caught up to her, so she couldn't wait to do just that. The sun dipped below the horizon, and she dreamt of couching with a good book and a warm blanket. Finally free from any responsibility, she planned to get a snack and was couching herself down shortly after, so happy.
• Before the joust, the knight prepared his lance, perfectly couching it to charge. This was the defining act of combat, as the knight would try to unseat the opponent. His training honed his ability to perfectly couch and aim, delivering the most damage. The crowd gasped as he was couching, the moment before the horses collided.
• The author knew that couching the story as a romance would attract a wider audience. His agent informed him to make it enticing. He took the often complex scientific material and was couching it in a more accessible format. Despite the risk, the decision proved successful. Couched correctly, people became receptive to a potentially boring topic.
• The salesperson spent the morning couching the product's features to appeal to their target demographic. He framed the benefits to make them more enticing and to appeal to their specific needs. He knew that effectively couching the product was key to making a sale. He successfully couched the price in terms of value, not simply cost, to maximize profit.