This phrase is often used to describe an individual who is pretending to be active in a case or legal matter, but is not really involved. The phrase is derived from the fact that someone who is only pretending to be active looks like they are on all fours, meaning, they are only halfway engaged in their legal work.
In court proceedings, for example, this phrase is used to describe an individual who is pretending to be an active participant in the case but is not really engaged in any productive activity. This type of behavior can be observed when individuals simply pose questions and wait for someone else to answer them, whereas they should be actively using their knowledge to answer the questions themselves. Likewise, when someone is making suggestions that are beneficial to their own case, but has no real intent to follow through in order to bring it to fruition, they too are said to be “on all fours.”
In the business world, the usage of this phrase can also be seen when employees are doing their job but are not engaging in any meaningful manner. For instance, when an employee does the bare minimum, yet still expects to be rewarded, they are said to be “on all fours.” Similarly, when someone is in a managerial role and is not taking definitive action to help move a project forward, they too can be said to be “on all fours.”
Put in the simplest terms, the phrase “on all fours” is used to describe an individual who is pretending to be active, but is not actively or meaningfully engaged in what they are doing. It can be seen in both legal and business situations, and is often indicative of a lack of interest or commitment.