assume the position

verb3

1. •
   Often used other than figuratively or idiomatically: to assume a given position.

   • Now in this case, if the suspended bar were acted upon solely by the north pole of the magnet, it would assume the position AB — 1842
2. •
   (US) To turn away, with one's hands in a visible and unmovable position, so that one can be searched.

   • A day or two later we took down another seller and this time the rookie performs the search. Assume the position! he tells the guy. So the guy leans against the side of the car. — 2002
3. •
   (UK) Often used as an order to bend over, for example, to receive the traditional corporal punishment in a case of misbehaviour.