stand at ease—a military attitude allowing less freedom of posture than “stand easy” (personnel aren’t allowed to talk and their hands are clasped behind their back):
- After the command “Stand at Ease” was given Lt. Colonel Broome gave a short but never to be forgotten speech.
stand easy—a military attitude allowing a greater freedom of posture than “stand at ease” (personnel are allowed to move their arms and torso in a relaxed posture):
- When on parade do not talk or move about in the ranks. Only when the order “Stand Easy” has been given may you talk.
Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase stand firm—remain true to smth.; maintain one’s attitude:
- He told Radio New Zealand that he would stand firm against demands that he resign.