right about face: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Military, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “right about face” mean?
A sudden and complete reversal of opinion, direction, or policy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sudden and complete reversal of opinion, direction, or policy.
1. A 180-degree turn, especially in military drill. 2. A complete change of mind or attitude on a matter. 3. A swift, decisive change in the course of action or strategy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common in American English, particularly in its figurative sense. In British English, the synonymous military term 'about-turn' is more frequent, though 'right-about-face' is understood.
Connotations
In both dialects, it carries connotations of decisiveness, discipline, and sometimes abruptness. In US political/journalistic contexts, it often implies a strategic or opportunistic reversal.
Frequency
Low frequency overall. Higher in US political/military commentary. In UK English, 'about-turn' or 'U-turn' are more prevalent for the figurative meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “right about face” in a Sentence
[Subject] did a right-about-face on [issue].The [organization] executed a right-about-face.It was a complete right-about-face.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “right about face” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cabinet was forced to right-about-face on its taxation policy after the protests.
American English
- The CEO right-about-faced on the merger after seeing the quarterly reports.
adverb
British English
- This is not applicable as 'right-about-face' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- This is not applicable as 'right-about-face' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- This is not applicable as 'right-about-face' is not used as an adjective.
American English
- This is not applicable as 'right-about-face' is not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a sudden shift in corporate strategy or market position.
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical/political analysis describing policy reversals.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. Used for emphatic descriptions of a major change of mind.
Technical
Standard term in military drill. Used figuratively in political science and management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “right about face”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “right about face”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “right about face”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a right-about-face decision' – incorrect).
- Omitting the hyphens (should be 'right-about-face' or 'right about face').
- Confusing it with 'about-face', which is more common but identical in meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are essentially synonymous. 'Right-about-face' is the full, formal military command. 'About-face' is a common shortening. In figurative use, they are interchangeable, with 'about-face' being slightly more common in general writing.
Yes, but it's less common than the noun form. As a verb, it means 'to reverse one's position or direction completely' (e.g., 'The manager right-about-faced on the scheduling issue').
It can be written as 'right-about-face' (hyphenated) or 'right about face' (open). The hyphenated form is more common, especially when used as a noun or verb modifier. Dictionaries vary, but hyphenation is standard for the single-concept term.
There's no direct single-word antonym from the drill command. Figuratively, concepts like 'steadfastness', 'consistency', 'maintaining course', or 'adherence' serve as antonyms, describing the absence of a reversal.
A sudden and complete reversal of opinion, direction, or policy.
Right about face is usually formal, military, figurative in register.
Right about face: in British English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt.əˌbaʊt ˈfeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt.əˌbaʊt ˈfeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pull a right-about-face”
- “do a complete right-about-face”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier receiving the command 'Right-about, FACE!' He turns 180 degrees to face the exact opposite direction. A 'right-about-face' in thinking is just that.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE OF DIRECTION IS CHANGE OF MIND/OPINION. A physical turn maps onto a cognitive or strategic reversal.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'right-about-face' LEAST likely to be used?