right about face

American  

[rahyt-uh-boht-feys] / 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.

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Etymology

Origin of right about face

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

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 Patchin, Frank Gee

The American troops swarmed out in their underdrawers and cartridge belts, and that surprise party turned right about face.

From A Woman's Impression of the Philippines by Fee, Mary Helen

But to me, who had been painfully learning the distances all these days, the right about face of the wind put a very changed aspect on the business.

From Fifty Years of Golf by Hutchinson, Horace G.

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 Murray, David Christie

It looked, for a moment, as if the wavering, straggling men would break ranks and run; but a sudden distant whistle, and a sharp command from Reddy brought them right about face.

From The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch by Porter, Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman)