stood at attention
Formally erect, motionless
Stood at attention describes a formal military posture—body erect, heels together, arms at sides, eyes forward.
Soldiers stand at attention during inspections, when addressed by superiors, or during ceremonies.
The phrase extends to any rigid, alert stance: The students stood at attention as the principal entered.
The dog stood at attention, ears pricked.
- saluteGestural sign of honor
- military drillsStructured combat training exercises
- ramrod straightPerfectly erect posture
- uniformIdentical throughout
- motionlessLacking all movement
stand up straight · heels · eyes front · shoulders · posture · royal ceremonies · snap · stance · tense · honor guard · rigid · boots · brace · spine · shoulders back · flag · chin · drill
stood at attentionat ease
Relaxed, not tense
stand easy · relaxed stance · stood down · parade rest · fell out
stood, standing, stander, standee, understood, understandable, withstood, attention, attentive