present arms
Americannoun
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a position of salute in the manual of arms in which the rifle is held in both hands vertically in front of the body, with the muzzle upward and the trigger side forward.
-
(for troops in formation not under arms) the hand salute.
Etymology
Origin of present arms
First recorded in 1750–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I gave the command to present arms, and we raised our sabers for Kennedy to walk under, like a tunnel,” Broadus said.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 25, 2013
One senior Bonn diplomat called the timing of Rust's flight particularly unfortunate "against the background of the present arms discussions and everything else at stake in the world at the moment."
From Time Magazine Archive
A guard of honor of Royal Marines stood at present arms on deck and the band played The Star-Spangled Banner.
From Time Magazine Archive
On the stone steps, the tall, booted, hawk-nosed Earl watched a company of soldiers, sailors and airmen click to "present arms," heard a military band play the final strain of God Save the King.
From Time Magazine Archive
Deputy Dumas had the presence of mind to cry out: "Attention, Grenadiers! present arms!"
From Marie Antoinette and the Downfall of Royalty by Arthur Léon, baron Imbert de Saint-Amand
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
