Definition

1. Noun:

   • A style of marching: A formal marching step performed by military personnel, characterized by keeping the legs straight and swinging each leg forward high and stiffly, without bending the knee.

2. Verb (goose-step):

   • To march in this specific style: To perform the goose step march.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The soldiers' parade was marked by a precise and synchronized goose step.
  • The dictator insisted on the goose step as a display of discipline and power.

• Verb:

  • The troops were ordered to goose-step past the reviewing stand.
  • Historically, some armies have goose-stepped during formal ceremonies.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used figuratively to imply rigid, unthinking obedience or conformity.
  • The committee members seemed to goose-step in line with the chairman's every directive without question.

Variants and Related Words

• Goose-stepping (present participle/gerund): The act of performing the goose step.
  • The act of goose-stepping requires significant practice to perfect.

Synonyms

• Noun: Straight-legged march, formal march.
• Verb: March stiffly, parade.

Related Phrases and Context

• While not a phrasal verb, the verb form "to goose-step" is used.
• The practice is most historically associated with the military traditions of certain nations, particularly 20th-century Germany and the Soviet Union, and is often loaded with political and historical connotations.

Noun

1. a manner of marching with legs straight and swinging high

Verb

1. march in a military fashion