standing at attention
Soldier's formal posture
Standing at attention is a formal military posture: body erect, heels together, arms at sides, eyes forward, motionless.
Soldiers stand at attention during inspections, ceremonies, or when addressed by superiors.
The phrase extends to any rigid, alert stance suggesting discipline or readiness: The students stood at attention when the principal entered.
- erectVertical in position
- saluteGestural sign of honor
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- flag ceremonyRitual honoring national banner
- postureBody position, alignment
soldier · taps · reveille · military · ease · uniform · color guard · honor · inspection · regimental colors · trooping the colour · present arms · rigidity · military precision · vigilance · national anthem · parade · wreath laying
- military disciplinedemerits, saluting, discipline, chain of command, drill
- military traditionssalute, 21-gun salute, saluting, salutes, honor guard
- military drillsrifle drills, marching, about face, at ease, forward march
- militarysoldiers, army, troops, officers, navy
- gesturesgesture, hand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder
- complianceaudit, obeying, policy, compliance officer, regulation
standing at attentionat ease
Relaxed, not tense
stand easy · parade rest · standing down · relaxed stance · falling out
standing at attentionslouching
Poor postural alignment
lying down · relaxed · reclining · leaning · collapsed
standing at attentiondaydreaming
Idle mental wandering
zoning out · distracted · inattentive · at rest · off guard
stand, standing, stands, attention, attentive, attentively, inattentive, inattention, attentiveness