at attention
Soldier's formal stance
At attention describes a formal military posture: standing straight, heels together, arms at the sides, eyes forward.
Soldiers come to attention or stand at attention when ordered or when superiors approach.
The phrase extends to any rigid, alert stance: The dog sat at attention, ears pricked.
- saluteGestural sign of honor
- present armsCeremonial rifle position
- militaryArmed forces collectively
- drill sergeantTrains raw recruits harshly
- stanceStanding posture or viewpoint
rigid · posture · military bearing · soldier · boot camp · drill · parade · parade ground · honor guard · color guard · standing · chin up · upright · formal · command · stand at ease · discipline · alert
- body positionslying down, flat, upright, standing, sitting
- posture expressionsslouch, slump, hunch, stoop, stand tall
- uprightupright, erect, vertical, perpendicular, standing
- readinessready, prepared, set, alert, primed
- standbyready, waiting, on hold, on call, backup
- battle-readyarmed, equipped, trained, prepared, mobilized
at attentionat ease
Relaxed, not tense
at rest · stand easy · stand down · relaxed · slouching
at attentioninattentive
Not paying attention
distracted · unfocused · off guard · zoned out · daydreaming
attention, attend, attends, attended, attending, attendant, attendants, attendance, attentive