Understanding various expressions with the verb “stand” can enhance your English vocabulary and communication skills. Here are 20 idioms and phrasal verbs using “stand,” along with their meanings and example sentences.
1. Stand by
Meaning: Support someone.
Example: She will always stand by you.
2. Stand up
Meaning: Rise to feet.
Example: Please stand up for the pledge.
3. Stand out
Meaning: Be noticeable.
Example: Her red dress makes her stand out.
4. Stand for
Meaning: Represent or symbolize.
Example: The letters U.S.A stand for United States of America.
5. Stand in
Meaning: Substitute temporarily.
Example: I will stand in for him.
6. Stand down
Meaning: Withdraw or resign.
Example: The general decided to stand down.
7. Stand up for
Meaning: Defend or support.
Example: Always stand up for your rights.
8. Stand up to
Meaning: Resist or confront.
Example: She stood up to the bully.
9. Stand around
Meaning: Loiter or wait idly.
Example: Don’t just stand around; help us!
10. Stand aside
Meaning: Move to one side.
Example: Stand aside and let them pass.
11. Stand over
Meaning: Supervise closely.
Example: The manager stood over the employees.
12. Stand back
Meaning: Move away.
Example: Stand back from the fire.
13. Stand against
Meaning: Oppose or resist.
Example: We must stand against injustice.
14. Stand for
Meaning: Tolerate or endure.
Example: I won’t stand for cheating.
15. Stand in for
Meaning: Act as a substitute.
Example: He stood in for the absent teacher.
16. Stand by for
Meaning: Wait and be ready.
Example: Stand by for further instructions.
17. Stand off
Meaning: Stay at a distance.
Example: The police stood off from the crowd.
18. Stand to
Meaning: Adhere to promises.
Example: He stood to his commitments.
19. Stand over someone
Meaning: Supervise or control.
Example: He stood over his subordinates.
20. Stand up to something
Meaning: Endure or withstand.
Example: This material stands up to heat.
Related: Phrasal Verbs with Stand