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
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.
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 Behind a ring of warm-hued living room seats, rows of spines stand at attention — quiet participants waiting for their pages' ideas to be invoked in conversations. Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Aug. 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 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!