right about face

or right·a·bout-face, right-a·bout-face

[ rahyt-uh-boht-feys ]

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 ( def 2 ).
3. any complete reversal, as of conduct or opinion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of right about face¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

They commanded us to “right about face.”

From Slate

Then she turned right about face and looked in his direction.

From Project Gutenberg

Any of your nonsense and it'll be right about face with you.

From Project Gutenberg

Everybody back up—I mean, right about face.

From Project Gutenberg

‘We all know what it is to be young—no one likes a joke better than I do—but rules are rules, and the hour for going home has struck, so right about face, march! and quick step too.’

From Project Gutenberg