right about face

American  

[rahyt-uh-boht-fays] / ˈraɪt əˈboʊtˈfeɪs /

Or rightabout-face,

noun

1. Military.

   1. a command, given to a soldier or soldiers at attention, to turn the body about toward the right so as to face in the opposite direction.

   2. the act of so turning in a prescribed military manner.

2. rightabout.

3. any complete reversal, as of conduct or opinion.

---

Etymology

Origin of right about face

First recorded in 1805–15

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

right about face

Two hands were brought to foreheads in precise salute, and, executing a right about face, the Battleship Boys, marched steadily from the room, their faces grave, their shoulders thrown well back.

From The Battleship Boys at Sea Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's Navy by Frank Gee Patchin

Alma only smiled, then, with a little toss of her head, made a right about face, marched off, chin up, to brave the battery of glancing eyes and whispering tongues alone.

From Nancy of Paradise Cottage by Shirley Watkins

Now for Greek verbs and general discord, so right about face!'

From Lover or Friend by Rosa Nouchette Carey

When Erlon had almost reached Napoleon he turned his army corps right about face and led it off back again towards Ney.

From Waterloo by Hilaire Belloc

Aunt Rachel turned right about face with an almost military precision, and passing her arm through Ruth's led the girl away, leaving Reuben shaken back into internal chaos.

From Aunt Rachel by David Christie Murray

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---