1
general::
Phrase(s): sit on its hands [and] sit on their hands
Fig. [for an audience] to refuse to applaud. (See also sit on one’s hands.) • The performance was really quite good, but the audience sat on its hands. • They sat on their hands during the first act., Phrase(s): sit out
to elect not to participate in something. • I think I will not join in this game. I'll sit out. • I'll sit out for this round.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs