Poising

Poising, in its broadest sense, refers to the act of holding something in a balanced and controlled position, often in preparation for action or a specific effect. It can involve physical posture, like a dancer poised before a leap, or a more abstract state of readiness, like a company poised for expansion. It implies a state of careful balance, readiness, and sometimes, a degree of tension or anticipation, signaling a moment of potential change or significant event. It indicates a state of suspended activity and of potential imminent engagement or performance, that has an element of a sense of expectation, of preparation, of being positioned to take some action or effect a result.

Poising meaning with examples

• The gymnast was poising for the dismount from the uneven bars, every muscle engaged in a precise hold. Her balance was perfect, her concentration intense, creating a moment of exquisite tension before the release. The audience watched with held breath, knowing the incredible feat was about to begin. This displayed a delicate balance, controlled movements, and anticipation.
• The CEO, after weeks of negotiation, was poising to announce a merger, the deal was almost complete, but was yet to be formalized. The executive team held their breath in anticipation of that significant announcement. The news would revolutionize the market and create a significant new powerhouse. The entire company poised with eager expectation.
• The storm clouds gathered, the weather system was poising for the attack on the coastline with its destructive force. The wind was beginning to rise, and the ominous calm preceded a ferocious blast of weather that was predicted to be record-breaking. Local authorities were in a state of high alert. The sea was poised for a massive assault.
• The falconer, with infinite patience, watched the bird poising on his gauntleted fist, about to strike his quarry. He was poised above, observing the ground, his movements were precise, and the bird's posture was rigid and its wings were folded, ready to unleash its speed to capture its prey. It was almost a spiritual event, with focus and anticipation.
• As the conductor raised his baton, the orchestra was poising for the opening notes of the symphony, all instruments at the ready. The musicians sat ready, focusing to begin the music. The air was filled with expectation, awaiting the beautiful music. The silence before was almost as powerful as the music was to become.
• The tightrope walker was poised to take his first step, high above the ground, and the world held its breath. The wind was picking up. This was the ultimate test of balance. The moment was both exciting and terrifying and the crowd was completely focused.
• The cat was poising to pounce, the muscles in its hind legs tightly flexed. The cat was patiently waiting for a mouse to enter the tunnel. Every sense was heightened, and the hunter was prepared to make its move. It had become a natural performance.
• The negotiators were poising to make a final offer, after days of intense talks. The room was filled with tension, the future of the deal hung in the balance. They hoped their proposal would be accepted. They knew this was the final chance to seal the deal.