snap to attention
phrase
: to move quickly to a position of standing silently with the body stiff and straight, the feet together, and both arms at the sides
The soldier snapped to attention.
—sometimes used figurativelyThe children snapped to attention and got quiet when the teacher clapped his hands.
Cite this Entry
“Snap to attention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snap%20to%20attention. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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