drill-sergeant

A drill-sergeant shouts commands at new recruits on the training field.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Military instructor: A "drill-sergeant" is a non-commissioned officer in the military whose primary duty is to train new recruits in basic military skills, discipline, and physical conditioning through repetitive exercises and commands.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The drill-sergeant barked orders at the new recruits every morning. (The military instructor gave loud, strict commands to the trainees.)
  • She was promoted to drill-sergeant after years of service in the army. (She became a non-commissioned officer responsible for training soldiers.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a drill-sergeant": to act in a very strict, demanding, or authoritarian manner, often in a non-military context.

  • The coach was a real drill-sergeant during practice, pushing the team to their limits. (The coach was extremely strict and demanding, like a military instructor.)

• "drill-sergeant mentality": a mindset focused on discipline, order, and rigorous enforcement of rules.

  • His drill-sergeant mentality made him unpopular with the office staff. (His strict, authoritarian attitude was disliked by coworkers.)

Variants and Related Words

• Drill (n): a repetitive exercise or training procedure.

  • The fire drill was conducted every month. (The practice exercise for emergencies.)

• Sergeant (n): a rank in the military, typically above a corporal.

  • He was promoted to sergeant after five years of service. (He attained a higher non-commissioned officer rank.)

• Drill instructor (n): a synonym for drill-sergeant, especially in the U.S. Marine Corps.

  • The drill instructor was known for his harsh training methods. (The military trainer was strict.)

Synonyms

• Drill instructor: a military trainer who teaches drills.
• Training officer: an officer responsible for training personnel.
• Gunnery sergeant: a higher-ranking non-commissioned officer who may train marines.

Related Idioms

• To be on the drill-sergeant's radar: to be the focus of strict attention or scrutiny.

  • After failing the inspection, he was on the drill-sergeant's radar for weeks. (He was closely watched and disciplined.)

• To sound like a drill-sergeant: to speak in a loud, commanding, and abrupt manner.

  • When he gave orders, he sounded like a drill-sergeant. (His tone was authoritative and sharp.)