present arms
"Present arms" is a military command used globally to signal respect or salute, involving a specific way of holding a firearm.
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Definition
B2Military
(formal, command)A command instructing soldiers to hold their rifles vertically in front of their bodies as a salute.
Example
- Upon hearing 'present arms,' the soldiers immediately positioned their rifles upright in front of them.
B2Ceremony
(formal)A ceremonial gesture involving holding a firearm vertically to show respect or honor.
Example
- During the parade, the guards were ordered to present arms as the dignitaries passed by.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "present arms":
port armsguard of honourorder armsshoulder armsreport for dutypassage of armshands upmarch past