twist
verb (used with object)
to combine, as two or more strands or threads, by winding together; intertwine.
had been twisting
-
past perfect progressiveof twist.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She had been twisting a handkerchief in her hands, and she brought it to her face as she broke down into tears.
From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi
Robin, who had been twisting his brown fingers in the silk-fine threads which fell about his face, gave them a shrewd tug and scrambled to his feet “Now, John,” he said, seeing them at once.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Mr. Janney, who had been twisting and turning on his chair, burst out with: "The man—the driver—did you notice him?"
From Miss Maitland Private Secretary by Geraldine Bonner
"If I caught him—" Taffy began: but the poor child, who for two minutes had been twisting his face heroically, interrupted with a wail: "Oh, mother! my foot—it hurts so!"
From The Ship of Stars by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
The little boy had been twisting himself despairingly, and now said in a small voice, "Mother, I've tried and I've tried and I can't do that back button."
From The Brimming Cup by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
