My assumption for the first 30+ years of my life, after watching US films was that it was something akin to walking while looking suspicious.

I find the differing conceptions of 'freedom' interesting. The US likes to think of itself as more free, but they can't even cross the road.

PS fyi, its 'great'. 'grate' sounds the same, but that means a thick metal grid, typically on the floor, or as to grate cheese.