The Village Idiom

criss-cross applesauce

The idiom criss-cross applesauce is a playful way to describe the seated position where legs are crossed and hands rest on the lap. It is commonly used when instructing children to sit in a neat and organized manner.

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In a sentence

  • During storytime at school, the teacher asked the students to sit criss-cross applesauce on the carpet.
  • The kids gathered around the campfire, eagerly waiting to roast marshmallows while sitting criss-cross applesauce.
  • The yoga instructor instructed the class to sit criss-cross applesauce to begin their meditation practice.

Where it comes from and how it is used

Criss-cross applesauce is an idiom commonly used in the US. The phrase is often used to instruct children to sit cross-legged on the floor. It is commonly used in educational and childcare settings.

A third related idiom is "crawl over each other". This phrase means to be in a chaotic or disorganized state, with people rushing or competing for something. While criss-cross applesauce is about sitting in an organized manner, crawl over each other is the opposite, describing a chaotic situation of people climbing over each other.

Finally, another related idiom is "all over the place". This phrase means to be scattered or disorganized, lacking a clear direction or focus. While criss-cross applesauce is about sitting in a specific position, all over the place is about being scattered and lacking organization.

The exact origin of the idiom criss-cross applesauce is uncertain. The phrase may have originated as a way to teach children how to sit properly and in an organized manner. Some sources suggest that the idiom may have been derived from the game "London Bridge is Falling Down", but there is no definitive evidence to support this theory.

*Criss-cross applesauce* is primarily used in the US, and its usage may not be as widespread in other English-speaking countries. The idiom is often used as a playful and friendly way to encourage children to sit down and pay attention. While the etymology of the phrase is uncertain, it is widely understood and recognized in American culture.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.