stands at attention
Military formal posture
Stands at attention describes the formal military posture of standing straight and still, feet together, arms at the sides, eyes forward.
The phrase extends to any rigid, alert stance suggesting readiness or respect: The students stood at attention as the principal entered.
The dog stands at attention when it hears a noise outside.
- drillHole-boring device
- boot campInitial military instruction program
- reveilleMilitary dawn summons
- formationCreation or arrangement
- saluteGestural sign of honor
present arms · stillness · focus · obedience · honor guard · color guard · retreat · inspection · full dress uniform · military bearing · flag ceremony · dedication · alertness · order · vigilance · brace · rigidity · reverence
stands at attentionat ease
Relaxed, not tense
stand easy · falls out · parade rest · dismissed · slouches
stand, stands, standing, attends, attend, attended, attending, attentive, attentively