stand at attention
idiom
US
: to stand silently with the body stiff and straight, the feet together, and both arms at the sides
The troops stood at attention.
Examples of stand at attention in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
First teaching, and then drilling me on the correct way to stand at attention and salute (the whole hair and makeup team joyfully participated in this part).
—
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Berries, ever ubiquitous, are placed attractively in vintage bowls, raw vegetables stand at attention, and items that have no place in a fridge — bouquets of flowers, photos in frames, string lights — are given prominent placement.
—Caitlin Penzeymoog, Vox, 4 Sep. 2024
First responders stand at attention as the American flag is unfurled prior to an observance ceremony to honor the 184 people killed in the 9/11 attack at the Pentagon, at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial on Sept. 11, 2023.
—CBS News, 11 Sep. 2023
But today, many Thais no longer stand at attention when the royal anthem is played in public spaces such as movie theaters.
—Muktita Suhartono, New York Times, 12 May 2023
But today, many Thais no longer stand at attention when the royal anthem is played in public spaces such as movie theaters.
—Muktita Suhartono, New York Times, 12 May 2023
Three times a week at 7:20 a.m., flags are hoisted up poles resembling the mast of a ship, and cadets typically stand at attention in khakis for uniform and grooming inspection.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2022
Tom Triplett will stand at attention.
—Thallman, oregonlive, 1 Apr. 2023
Cylindrical soldiers stand at attention, their uniforms a riot of color.
—Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Sep. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Berries, ever ubiquitous, are placed attractively in vintage bowls, raw vegetables stand at attention, and items that have no place in a fridge — bouquets of flowers, photos in frames, string lights — are given prominent placement.
—Caitlin Penzeymoog, Vox, 4 Sep. 2024
First responders stand at attention as the American flag is unfurled prior to an observance ceremony to honor the 184 people killed in the 9/11 attack at the Pentagon, at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial on Sept. 11, 2023.
—CBS News, 11 Sep. 2023
But today, many Thais no longer stand at attention when the royal anthem is played in public spaces such as movie theaters.
—Muktita Suhartono, New York Times, 12 May 2023
But today, many Thais no longer stand at attention when the royal anthem is played in public spaces such as movie theaters.
—Muktita Suhartono, New York Times, 12 May 2023
Three times a week at 7:20 a.m., flags are hoisted up poles resembling the mast of a ship, and cadets typically stand at attention in khakis for uniform and grooming inspection.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2022
Tom Triplett will stand at attention.
—Thallman, oregonlive, 1 Apr. 2023
Cylindrical soldiers stand at attention, their uniforms a riot of color.
—Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Sep. 2022
Dictionary Entries Near stand at attention
Cite this Entry
“Stand at attention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand%20at%20attention. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share