snap to attention

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But heads on both sides did snap to attention whenever that unholy, jangly, self-impeaching peal, so inescapable in the last three years, rang out in the hallowed chamber.

From New York Times • Jan. 25, 2020

“In small towns, round-bellied Legionnaires snap to attention, salute and rush to tell Senator John Glenn the name of the atoll they helped defend in World War II. “Babies are thrust at him.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 9, 2016

Someday it may be possible to give people with such warning signs drugs that rescue p53, getting their cellular guardians to snap to attention and wipe out the cancer before it ever gets started.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 5, 2016

I snap to attention when he gives me my message, however.

From Washington Post • May 22, 2015

I snap to attention as the door opens.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon