right face: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Military / Formal Command / Occasionally figurative in specific contexts.
Quick answer
What does “right face” mean?
A military drill command ordering soldiers to turn 90 degrees to their right.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military drill command ordering soldiers to turn 90 degrees to their right.
1. The turning movement itself executed in response to the command. 2. Used informally to describe a sharp, disciplined turn in one's physical orientation or, metaphorically, a sudden shift in focus or direction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning or drill execution. The command is standard in both UK and US military drill.
Connotations
Identical military/disciplinary connotations. Slightly more likely to be recognized by the general public in the US due to broader exposure to military culture.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used exclusively in military, paramilitary, scouting, or ceremonial drill contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “right face” in a Sentence
[Subject] + execute/performed + a right face.[Commanding Officer] + shouted/yelled + 'Right face!'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “right face” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The platoon will right face on the command.
American English
- Right face! the sergeant barked.
adverb
British English
- N/A for this compound term.
American English
- N/A for this compound term.
adjective
British English
- N/A for this compound term.
American English
- N/A for this compound term.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or sociological studies of military culture.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used jokingly to tell someone to turn around.
Technical
Core term in military drill and ceremony manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “right face”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “right face”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “right face”
- Saying 'face right' (incorrect word order for the command).
- Using it in non-drill contexts without clear ironic intent.
- Confusing it with 'about face' (180-degree turn).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word compound noun when referring to the action, but functions as a single, fused command when shouted.
No, it would sound very strange and overly formal. Use 'turn right' or 'look to your right' in everyday situations.
The direct opposite drill command is 'left face'. A turn in the opposite direction (180 degrees) is an 'about face' (US) or 'about turn' (UK).
No. In this historical military context, 'face' means 'to turn in a certain direction' or 'front'. It relates to the orientation of your body, not your facial features.
A military drill command ordering soldiers to turn 90 degrees to their right.
Right face is usually military / formal command / occasionally figurative in specific contexts. in register.
Right face: in British English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt ˈfeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt ˈfeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Figurative] Do a right face on the issue: To change one's opinion or approach suddenly.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a clock face. 'Right face' means turning to where '3 o'clock' would be from your current forward-facing position (12 o'clock).
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS A CHANGE IN DIRECTION (when used figuratively). DISCIPLINE IS PRECISE MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'right face' most authentically used?