right-about

right-about

The soldier executed a right-about turn on the parade ground.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A military movement: "right-about" refers to a turn to the right, specifically a half-turn (180 degrees) made by a soldier or group, often as part of a drill command. It is also used figuratively to mean a sudden reversal of opinion or direction.

  2. Adjective:

    • Relating to a right-about turn: "right-about" describes something involving or characterized by a turn to the right, especially in a military context.

  3. Adverb:

    • In a right-about direction: "right-about" can be used to indicate movement or positioning that involves turning to the right.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • The soldier executed a precise right-about during the parade. (A 180-degree turn to the right in a military drill.)
    • After the debate, he did a complete right-about on his stance. (A sudden change of opinion.)

  • Adjective:

    • The instructor gave the command for a right-about turn. (A turn involving a half-turn to the right.)

  • Adverb:

    • The troops marched right-about when ordered. (They turned and moved in the opposite direction.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to send someone to the right-about": to dismiss or drive someone away abruptly, often with force or rejection.

    • The manager sent the rude customer to the right-about. (He was expelled or ordered to leave immediately.)

  • "right-about face": a military command for a half-turn to the right; figuratively, a complete reversal of policy or position.

    • The company did a right-about face on its environmental policy. (It reversed its stance completely.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Right-about turn (n): the act of turning to the right by 180 degrees.

    • The drill sergeant practiced the right-about turn with the recruits. (The specific military movement.)

  • Right-about face (n): a command or action involving a half-turn to the right; also a figurative reversal.

    • His political right-about face surprised his supporters. (A sudden change in opinion.)
Synonyms
  • About-face: a complete reversal of direction or opinion.
  • Turnaround: a change from one position or view to the opposite.
  • Reversal: an act of reversing direction or decision.
Related Idioms

  • "Do a right-about": to change one's mind or direction completely.

    • The government did a right-about on the tax reform. (It reversed its policy.)

  • "To the right-about": meaning to be dismissed or rejected.

    • The intruder was shown to the right-about. (He was forced to leave.)