at ease

Definitions

1. Free of anxiety; not stressed or tense.
2. In a relaxed position with the feet apart rather than at attention.
3. Allowed to refrain from being in rigid formation.

Equivalents

Examples

“At this command, the soldiers will carry⟳ their firelocks as they please⟳, as prescribed in the soldier's drill, No 120, and are no longer required to march⟳ with the same step, or to observe⟳ silence ; the files will march⟳ at ease ; but they will be careful not to confuse⟳ the ranks, and the front rank must never pass⟳ before the guide⟳, who is on the directing side, and that the two last⟳ ranks always preserve⟳ about three feet distance from each other.”

“If the column be composed of a considerable number⟳ of battalions, the commander can march⟳ it at ease, as a column of route.”

“When marching at ease, you must march⟳ in orderly ranks in silence, but you need⟳ not keep⟳ step or march⟳ at attention.”

CEFR level