Strike a pose
Meaning
To deliberately position oneself in a particular way for a photograph, an artistic depiction, or for dramatic effect.
Origin
The word "pose" entered English from the French poser, meaning "to place" or "to set," and was initially used in art to describe the arrangement of figures. The verb "strike" developed a sense of "to assume suddenly" or "to take up" a position, like striking a deal. With the rise of photography in the 19th century, subjects were often told to "strike a pose" to achieve a desired, often dramatic, effect for the camera. This theatrical direction became a cornerstone of fashion photography and pop culture, eventually cemented as a global call for self-expression and style with Madonna's iconic 1990 hit song "Vogue."
Examples
- The models were instructed to strike a pose as soon as the camera flashed, holding still for the perfect shot.
- After winning the championship, the entire team gathered to strike a pose for the ecstatic fans, trophy held high.