ramrod-straight
ramrod-straight — idiom
1. describing a person whose back is held so straight that their whole body appears
describing a person whose back is held so straight that their whole body appears stiff, formal, and completely upright — like a metal rod that cannot bend
Felix sat ramrod-straight on the wooden bench, refusing to slouch.
predicative: sit/stand + ramrod-straight
The soldiers stood ramrod-straight as the general walked past them.
Astrid's ramrod-straight posture made her look taller than she really was.
Mei held herself ramrod-straight while the photographer adjusted the lights.
- bolt upright
more specific to sitting position; implies a sudden straightening
- stiff as a board
more informal; can describe any rigid position, not just the spine
文法句型
be ramrod-straight
sit/stand ramrod-straight
ramrod-straight + noun (posture/back)
用法筆記
This sense most often describes a person's posture, especially when they are sitting or standing in a formal situation. Frequently used with verbs of position: sit, stand, remain.
2. moving — especially when walking or marching — in a stiff, unnaturally upright w
moving — especially when walking or marching — in a stiff, unnaturally upright way that suggests a deliberate effort to keep your spine completely straight
Caio walked ramrod-straight down the corridor, keeping his eyes fixed ahead.
verb of movement + ramrod-straight
The butler carried the silver tray while walking ramrod-straight through the dining room.
Ignacio walked ramrod-straight through the palace courtyard, keeping his eyes fixed on the doorway ahead.
Amihan marched ramrod-straight past the reviewing stand without blinking.
文法句型
walk/march/hold oneself ramrod-straight
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (BODY POSTURE), which describes a static state, this sense focuses on how a person performs an action — the stiff straightness is part of their movement, not just their position.