assuming the position

Verb

assume the position (third-person singular simple present assumes the position, present participle assuming the position, simple past and past participle assumed the position)

1. Often used other than figuratively or idiomatically: to assume a given position.
   • Now in this case, if the suspended bar were acted upon solely by the north pole of the magnet, it would assume the position AB1842, Daniel Davis et al., Davis's Manual of Magnetism
2. (US, idiomatic) To turn away, with one's hands in a visible and unmovable position, so that one can be searched.
   • A day or two later we took down another seller and this time the rookie performs the search. Assume the position! he tells the guy. So the guy leans against the side of the car.2002, James Harper Walker, Inside Your Local Police
3. (UK, idiomatic, punishment) Often used as an order to bend over, for example, to receive the traditional corporal punishment in a case of misbehaviour.