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

See Examples For:

right about face

When I see the Mem-sahib I will salaam, turn right about face, and go home.

From The Adventures of Kathlyn by MacGrath, Harold

A good look in the mirror soon makes one right about face and start in the other direction.

From Outwitting Our Nerves A Primer of Psychotherapy by Jackson, Josephine A.

With these parting words lingering in his ears, Corporal Patch saluted, executed a right about face, and left the tent.

From The Beautiful and Damned by Fitzgerald, F. Scott (Francis Scott)

Now then, right about face, and put your best foot foremost, and home as fast as you can before you get cold.

From Two Maiden Aunts by Debenham, Mary H.

Stand in position! right about face, guard of the roadside!'

From A Desperate Character and Other Stories by Garnett, Constance