at ease

1. In a relaxed position in military ranks. The phrase is often used as a command for troops standing at attention to relax, as in At ease, squadron . The command stand at ease is slightly different. A British military dictionary of 1802 described it as standing with the right foot drawn back about six inches and one's weight put on it. An American version is to stand with one's feet slightly apart and the hands clasped behind one's back.

2. Also, at one's ease . Comfortable, relaxed, unembarrassed, as in I always feel at ease in my grandmother's house . The related idiom put at ease means “make comfortable, reassure,” as in I was worried that the letter would not arrive in time, but the postmaster put me at ease . [1300s] For the antonym, see ill at ease .

Example Sentences

“It’s also difficult because it utilises ubiquitous social media apps which allow people to be handed between groups at ease. “

From BBC

But his jocular manner put many of them at ease, he said.

From BBC

Certainly, this representational role is a dimension of the presidency with which he has seemed at ease.

From BBC

MacPhail secretly followed her after she left school, having lied about being in Newcastle to put her at ease.

From BBC

“That ability to speak with the client, to put them at ease, to clearly explain the process and reassure them that they've got someone on their side fighting their corner.”

From BBC

Related Words

• amicable
• balmy
• calm
• easygoing
• gentle
• mild
• pastoral
• placid
• restful
• sedate
• serene
• sober
• stable
• tame
• temperate