stand1 verbstand2 noun
standstand1 /stænd/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense and past participle stood /stʊd/) 
WORD ORIGINstand1
Origin:
Old English standanVERB TABLE
stand
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | stand |
| he, she, it | stands | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | stood |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have stood |
| he, she, it | has stood | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had stood |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will stand |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have stood |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am standing |
| he, she, it | is standing | |
| you, we, they | are standing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was standing |
| you, we, they | were standing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been standing |
| he, she, it | has been standing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been standing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be standing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been standing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A Christmas tree stood near the fireplace.
- A hundred policemen stood arm-in-arm in front of the cathedral.
- A single tall candle stood in the middle of the table.
- A young girl stood in the doorway, sheltering from the rain.
- At the end of his speech, we all stood and clapped.
- Don't just stand there - help me!
- Few houses were left standing after the tornado.
- He stood still, his feet rooted to the ground in fear.
- I stood and stared at him in amazement.
- I know your son stands high on the list of suitable candidates.
- I was standing next to the entrance.
- I was standing only a few feet away from where lightning struck.
- John stands six feet tall.
- Just stand it in the corner, so it doesn't fall.
- Maggie stood her bicycle against the wall of the shed.
- Mosquitos usually lay their eggs in standing water.
- My offer to take you to dinner still stands.
- Now I want the blue team to stand over to my right.
- She stood watching him as he turned to go.
- She was so weak that she could barely stand.
- A great many people sat at the feet of the statues or stood about in groups near by.
- All the players on the Oregon bench are standing, clapping, extending their hands to Red for high fives.
- Britain stood for political ideals that must prevail if western civilization were not to break down.
- His former work force of 1, 300 now stands at 220.
- Mr Karimov knows that he will stand or fall on his ability to stave off economic collapse.
- Now, where do we stand with regard to computability in classical theory?
- They crossed the open dusty area of Smithfield to where the hospital of St Bartholomew stood.
THESAURUS
to be on your feet in an upright position: · There were no seats, so we had to stand.· When we entered, Stephen was standing by his desk.
to be standing, especially for a long time: · If you have young kids, you’re on your feet all day.· I’d been on my feet since 7 o'clock and I needed to sit down.· The crowd were all on their feet clapping and calling for more.
to stand after you have been sitting or lying down: · He got up and turned off the TV.· Mum fell in her flat and was unable to get up.
to stand after you have been sitting, or to be in a standing position: · I stood up when she came in and shook her hand.· It’s generally better to do this exercise standing up.
written to stand up, especially slowly or when it is difficult for you: · My attorney got slowly to his feet, breathing heavily.
formal to stand after you have been sitting, especially at a formal event: · As the bride entered the cathedral, the congregation rose.· Audience members rose to their feet, cheering and clapping.
Longman Language Activatorto be in a standing position to be on your feet in an upright position: · There were no seats, so we had to stand.stand next to/beside/in etc: · I was standing next to the entrance.· A young girl stood in the doorway, sheltering from the rain.· When we entered, he was standing by his desk.· A hundred policemen stood arm-in-arm in front of the cathedral.stand doing something (=stand while you are doing something): · She stood watching him as he turned to go.stand and do something: · I stood and stared at him in amazement.stand up straight (=with your back and legs straight): · The ceilings were so low that Mark couldn't stand up straight.stand still (=stand without moving): · Stand still while I brush your hair.· He stood still, his feet rooted to the ground in fear.
to stand rather than be sitting, lying down, or kneeling: · It's generally better to do this exercise standing up.· The seats were all taken and we had to stand up all the way from Tokyo to Nagoya.
to be standing, especially for a long time, with the result that you feel tired - use this especially about people who have to stand and walk a lot in their jobs: · You go. I've been on my feet all day, and I need a rest.· She'd been on her feet all morning without once sitting down.
also on your tiptoes standing on your toes, especially when you stretch your body in order to see something or reach something: · She was up on her tiptoes, with her arm about his neck.stand on tiptoe: · She stood on her tiptoes to open the high window.· People were standing on tiptoe to try and see what was happening.
to stand while resting part of your body against a wall, a table etc: lean against/on: · Kay was leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette.· Joe leaned on the gate and watched as they drove away.
to stand after sitting or lying down to stand after you have been sitting, bending, or lying down: · She got up and turned off the TV.· I can't get up. Give me a hand, will you?· I watched how slowly he got up, how stiff he seemed.get up from a chair/seat/sofa etc: · Max got up from his chair and shook her hand.· When Maura came in, he got up from the table and poured the coffee.get up off the floor/ground/grass etc: · One of her friends helped her to get up off the floor.· I got up off the grass and strolled over to where Rob was sitting.get up to do something/get up and do something: · I was left with Maria when the others got up to dance.
to stand after you have been sitting: · "I have to go now," she said, standing up.· Could you all stand up please.· He stood up to shake Mel's hand.· Abruptly she stood up, and got ready to leave.
to stand up, especially slowly or when it is difficult for you: · He got to his feet, and we shook hands.· My attorney got slowly to his feet, breathing heavily.
formal to stand up - use this especially in descriptions of events and formal ceremonies: · The old woman rose stiffly and held out her hand.· The congregation rose as the bride entered the cathedral.rise from your seat/the table/a chair etc: · The chairman had already risen from his seat and was beginning his speech.rise to your feet: · Audience members rose to their feet, cheering and clapping.
to stand up in order to do something, especially at a special event or formal occasion: · The Senate stood to welcome the new President.· Would you all please stand to sing hymn 106?
to stand with your back straight · Stand up straight with your back against the wall.· The pain in his stomach was so severe that he could no longer stand up straight.
also stand at attention if someone such as a soldier or a police officer stands to attention , they stand with their backs straight, their arms straight down by their sides, and their feet close together: · The colonel gave the order for the men to stand to attention.· We stood at attention until we were given permission to leave.
to stand up as straight as you can because you are angry with someone or are determined to make them listen to you: · I drew myself up to my full height and informed him that the President had sent me down here personally.· Trembling inside, I stepped out of the car and pulled myself up to my full height to face my adversary.
to stand up after bending down low: · She bent over the body, and when she straightened up there were tears in her eyes.· If you're lifting something heavy, be careful not to hurt your back when you straighten up.
to put your foot on something also tread on/in British to put your foot down on something while you are standing or walking, especially accidentally: · I think I must have stepped on some glass.· I trod in some mud in the park, and tracked it into the house. · Ow, you trod on my foot, you clumsy brute!
to deliberately put your foot down very hard on something: · There was a big cockroach in the kitchen and Barbara stamped on it.· In a recent incident, youths stamped on a police officer's head as she lay injured.
to accept an unpleasant situation to accept an annoying situation or someone's annoying behaviour, without trying to stop it or change it: · I don't know how you put up with all this noise day after day.· You see what I have to put up with - the kids never stop arguing.· Well, you put up with the danger and bad conditions, because you need to feed your family.
to accept or be forced to accept an unpleasant situation: · Don't bring me your problems, I've already got as much trouble as I can stand.· There are cats in every room. I don't know how she can stand it.can stand doing something: · I don't think I'll be able to stand sharing an office with Dana.stand another hour/minute/moment etc: · Can you stand another minute of this awful music? Shall I turn it off?
to accept pain or an unpleasant situation that makes you angry, sad, or upset: · My leg really hurts -- I'm not sure how much longer I can bear it.· Talking to a counsellor can help divorcees to bear the pain of separation.· The trial was a great scandal but she bore it all with courage and dignity.be hard to bear: · Her loneliness was hard to bear, after her husband died.
to accept an annoying situation or someone's annoying behaviour, without trying to stop it or change it. Tolerate is more formal than put up with: · She seems to be able to tolerate any kind of behaviour from the students.· For years, the workers have had to tolerate low wages and terrible working conditions.· If you can tolerate the side-effects, HRT can help the symptoms enormously.
written to accept or be forced to accept a very unpleasant or difficult situation for a long time: · She endured a barrage of open abuse and racism during her time at college.· The people in this country have endured almost a decade of economic hardship.
informal to accept an unpleasant situation or someone's unpleasant behaviour without becoming upset: · I've tried to be understanding, but quite honestly, this is more than I can take.· Tell me what happened -- I can handle it.· Are you going to argue with me, or are you just going to stand there and take it?
to accept an unpleasant situation as a permanent part of your life that you cannot change: · You have to learn to live with stress.· I found the burden of guilt very difficult to live with.· None of us really like the new system, but we've got to learn to live with it.live with yourself (=accept something bad or wrong that you have done): · You should be careful before you do anything rash. Remember, you'll have to live with yourself afterwards.
to be difficult for you to accept: · Every year the Christmas shopping season seems to start earlier, a fact which many people find hard to stomach.· I found this lecture from Chris of all people hard to stomach.
spoken to accept an unpleasant or difficult situation as happily as you can, because you cannot change it: · Well, I said to myself, I'll just have to grin and bear it.· The message was clear - no matter how insulting passengers became, we couldn't do anything but grin and bear it.
something unpleasant that you can stand a situation or type of behaviour that is bearable is difficult or unpleasant, but you are just able to bear it: · The only things that made her life bearable were the occasional visits from her grandchildren.· His leg hasn't quite healed yet, but pain-killers make it bearable.
a situation that is tolerable is bad but you are able to accept it and deal with it: · It was a tolerable existence, but only just.· The new measures can only hope to keep fraud at tolerable levels.· An active social life may make the boredom of work more tolerable.
when a situation is so bad that you cannot stand it also can't bear especially British to be unable to accept an unpleasant situation: · Europeans never stay there for long. They can't stand the heat.· I can't bear the smell of stale cigarette smoke in her hair.can't stand/bear the thought of something: · She couldn't stand the thought of losing her children.can't stand/bear to do something/can't stand/bear doing something: · I couldn't bear to listen to her screams.
especially spoken to be unable to accept an unpleasant situation without becoming angry or upset, especially when someone's behaviour is not fair or reasonable: · Careful what you say - he can't take criticism.· She just keeps crying and throwing tantrums - I can't handle much more of it.can't take/handle something any more: · I just couldn't take it any more. I left the next day.
to be unable to stand something because thinking about it makes you feel sick or angry: · He really can't stomach the sight of blood.
formal to be completely unable to stand someone or something that is very annoying: · If there's one thing I cannot abide, it's spoilt children.· Mary couldn't abide shopping on Saturdays because the stores were always so crowded.
something that is unbearable , such as a pain or a bad situation, is too bad for you to deal with or live with: · Without him, my life would be unbearable.· The stench from the sink was almost unbearable.· The strain eventually became unbearable, and Adam started seeing a psychiatrist.
too difficult, unpleasant, or annoying to stand: · Living conditions at the camp were intolerable.· Passengers faced intolerable delays and disruption due to the bad weather conditions.· All the media attention during the trial had put the family under intolerable strain.
something that is unacceptable is wrong and cannot be accepted or allowed to continue: · Most women said they thought the ruling was unfair and unacceptable.· The plan was rejected because it involved an "unacceptable risk to public safety'.· We regard the idea of being able to choose the sex of your baby as wholly unacceptable.
to refuse to change your mind determined not to change your mind, even when people think you are being unreasonable: · We need to do something about Craig, but he's so stubborn I just know he wouldn't listen if we tried to talk to him.a stubborn streak (=a stubborn part of your character): · I've got a very stubborn streak and I discovered that I couldn't bear people telling me what I could and couldn't eat. stubborn as a mule (=very stubborn): · Jean-Paul can be as a stubborn as a mule.
to refuse to change your opinions or plans even though other people are trying to make you: · When you know that you are right, you have to stand firm and defend your principles.stand firm against: · We stood firm against any deal with the terrorists.stand firm on: · The president has failed to stand firm on his promise to allow gays to serve in the military.
to refuse to change your position in an argument even though other people are trying to persuade you to change it: · They tried to make him change his mind, but he stood his ground.stand your ground against: · Richard always went along with Ella's plans, never once daring to stand his ground against her.
formal refusing to do what other people want you to do, even if this is unreasonable: · For many years the South African government remained intransigent, despite mounting world opposition to apartheid.intransigent on: · The Church has been criticized for being intransigent on the issues of abortion and birth control.
to be judged in a court of law · The suspect will be tried within the next few weeks.· Patterson is being tried for the murder of a 30-year-old Oakland hairdresser.be tried for · The two women are being tried for drug smuggling.
if someone is on trial , a court of law is trying to decide whether they are guilty or a crime or not: · Three men are now on trial after a series of terrorist attacks.· The accused was extradited to Miami earlier this year, and is currently on trial there.be on trial for: · Three men are on trial for illegally smuggling tropical birds into the country.
formal to be judged in a court of law: · The judge ruled that Pinochet was too ill to stand trial in Spain.stand trial for: · Brady stood trial for the killings late last year.stand trial on: · An employee of the bank is due to stand trial on embezzlement charges in February.
to defend an idea or person when they are criticized to say something to support an idea or person when other people are criticizing them: · It's difficult to defend a sport that involves hurting animals.· Her speech defended the workers' right to strike.· The Fire Chief defended his staff and said that they had done everything possible to save the girl's life.defend somebody against/from something: · She has repeatedly tried to defend her husband against hostile criticism in the press.defend yourself: · Everyone was shouting at me, and I never got a chance to defend myself.vigorously defend somebody/something (=defend them very strongly): · Carey vigorously defended his fund-raising methods.
to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, or strongly defend your ideas or your rights: · You have to be ready to stand up for the things you believe in.· Didn't anyone stand up for James and say it wasn't his fault?stand up for yourself: · Don't let her get away with that - stand up for yourself.
spoken to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, especially when no one else will defend them: · The only person who stuck up for me was Sarah.· You're her husband - you should stick up for her.
British /defense American to say something to defend someone who is being criticized: · Dad seemed to think the accident was my fault, but Judy came to my defence and told him what had happened.· A large group of supporters have come to Robinson's defense.· Surprisingly, Major came to the defence of his old enemy.
British /defense American if you say something in someone's defence , you say it in order to defend them from criticism: · As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing you can say in her defence.· I ought to say, in Jim's defence, that he only heard about the meeting half an hour ago.in defence/defense of somebody: · No one spoke up in defense of Principal Blackman during the entire meeting.
British /defense of something American if you do or say something in defence of something, you do or say it to defend something that is very important to you, such as your rights or principles: · The miners went on strike in defence of their jobs.· She spoke bravely and defiantly in defence of human rights.
British /defense American a written or spoken statement that defends something against criticism, especially something that is very important to you: defence of: · The article was a rather unconvincing defence of her economic record.strong/robust/spirited/vigorous defence (=strong defence): · Pacheco gave a vigorous defense of the state's affirmative action laws.
to not do something that you should do · I haven't done my taxes yet and they're due next week.· The electrician came round yesterday, but he didn't do all the jobs I asked him to do.· She was afraid that if she didn't do what her boss told her she would be fired.
to not try to help someone or prevent a bad situation, even though you know it is happening: · How could neighbors listen to her scream and do nothing?do nothing/not do anything about: · We told the police months ago, but they still haven't done anything about it.do nothing/not do anything to do something: · No one did anything to stop the purse snatcher.
formal to do nothing, especially when this is a deliberate decision: · If you have already paid the amount shown on this bill, you need take no further action.take no action to do something: · Local police took no action to protect the family from the attacks.
formal to not do something that you should do, especially when this has serious results: · The driver of the car failed to stop in time, and the boy was killed.· If you fail to provide all the information, we will be unable to process your application.
to not do something because you do not pay enough attention or forget, especially when this could have serious results: · Marie decided not to move, but she neglected to inform the rental agency.· The public are demanding to know why the government neglected to warn them of the oil shortages.
formal to not do something, either because you forget to do it or because you deliberately choose not to do it: · Mrs Hobbs told me about the meeting but she omitted to tell me where it was.· Starr's account omits to mention that it was his own actions that caused the fire.
to not do anything to stop something bad from happening, when you should do something to show that you care about the situation: · Why did people just stand by while she was attacked?· We can't afford to just sit by and watch more of our local industry shut down.
spoken to not even move or start to do something when there is an urgent situation: · Don't just stand there - help me catch the cat!· When the fire alarm went off she just sat there as if she hadn't heard a thing.
to fight against someone powerful or something bad · Residents are fighting the local council over plans for a new road.· The community is struggling to fight against drug dealers and prostitution, in their effort to make the area a safer place to live.
to fight in a very determined way against changes that you think will be unfair or could take people's freedom away: · By resisting the Mafia's attempts to control the region, he was putting his own life in danger.· The unions have resisted attempts to change the pay structure.
when people fight in a very determined way against changes or a government that they think will be unfair or could take people's freedom away: · She became one of the symbols of resistance both at home and abroad.resistance to: · There has been a lot of resistance to tax increases, even those designed to benefit education.meet with resistance (=cause resistance): · Any policy that creates unemployment is likely to meet with strong resistance.
to fight against someone who is doing something that harms you: · Children are often powerless to fight back when they are treated unfairly.· You must fight back if you become a victim of discrimination.· This nation has been oppressed for too long, and it's time we fought back.
to refuse to accept bad or unfair treatment from someone, especially someone who is stronger or more powerful than you are: · Aggressive bosses are less likely to criticize workers who stand up to them.· He is respected as a leader who is willing to stand up to the West.
to fight in order to show that you are against something that you think is bad or unfair, even though you are not likely to succeed in stopping it: · Although parents and local residents put up a fight, they couldn't stop the school being closed.· People are not going to accept being sent back to the war zone without putting up a fight.
to fight for as long as possible against a change that someone powerful is trying to make, because you think it is wrong or unfair: · The workers held out for several months against the closure of the mine, but they were eventually defeated.
to show publicly that you think something is wrong, and take action to stop it: · If you're not prepared to make a stand yourself, you can't expect anyone else to.make a stand against: · Gandhi and his followers made a determined stand against the racist and imperialist policies of the government.
to fight against something such as a law or system that you think is wrong: · Those who opposed the regime were put into prison or even executed.· There will be a rally on September 22 for all those who oppose direct military action.
to feel strong dislike and anger towards someone or something · "Go away!" Jackie screamed. "I hate you!"· I hated my first husband. He used to hit me and the children.· Turner was a rebel from the start. He hated authority and he hated the law.· He was an evil dictator who was universally hated.· It takes many years for kids who have suffered so much to learn to love and not to hate.
informal to hate someone very much: · I wish she'd die tomorrow. I hate her guts.· The sergeant knew the men all hated his guts for the way he treated them.
especially spoken to have a very strong feeling of dislike for a person or for their behaviour because they make you feel very angry or uncomfortable when you are with them: · We used to be quite good friends but now I can't stand her.· I can't stand the way he's always telling people what they should do.· If there's one thing I can't stand, it's hypocrisy.can't stand the sight of somebody: · Don't invite Alice. Mum can't stand the sight of her.
to have a strong feeling of hatred, especially for a particular kind of person, or a particular type of behaviour: · He was exactly the kind of arrogant, self-satisfied man I detest.· I detest any form of cruelty toward animals.· According to Hollywood gossip, both the leading actors were detested by the rest of the cast.
to have a very strong feeling of hatred for someone or for a type of behaviour, because you think that they are the very worst kind of person or behaviour that there is: · Mrs Morel loathed her husband when he was drunk and violent.· Kemp was loathed by all the other prisoners, who regarded him as a traitor.· I really loathe it when people make promises and then don't keep them.
to hate someone or something and think they have no importance or value: · We were brought up to despise the people from the poor side of town. They seemed so dirty and ignorant.· Otis despised inherited wealth and social class.despise somebody for (doing) something: · I felt that the other kids despised me for having the wrong accent and the wrong colour skin.
formal to hate a particular kind of behaviour or attitude, especially because you think it is morally wrong: · The great majority of the Irish people have always abhorred violence.· The president abhorred all forms of racism.
to live in an independent way to live in an independent way, without other people helping you or telling you what to do: · Alice was glad to be independent and making a life of her own at last.· What strategies does a growing child use to become independent?· Our main objective is to help disabled people lead independent lives within the community.
also look after yourself especially British to cook your own food, wash your own clothes, and do other basic things that are necessary to live: · Grandpa can't take care of himself any more so he's coming to live with us.· Many youngsters who've been brought up in care are often incapable of looking after themselves when they leave.
informal to live your life independently without any help from your family or the government: · She'll never learn to stand on her own feet if you keep giving her whatever she wants.· A year abroad gives students the chance to stand on their own two feet.
informal to start working or living on your own, especially after working or living with other people in a family, organization etc: · The response to our proposal was lukewarm, so we felt we had to go it alone.· After years of working for a big company, she decided to go it alone and set up her own business.· When it comes to parenthood, more and more women are deciding to go it alone.
spoken to live in an independent way and do what you want to do, without being influenced by what other people think: · He has a couple of roommates but they kind of all do their own thing.· He's given up his job and is living in northern California, just doing his own thing.
written to look after yourself, when you are used to being taken care of by someone else, or when being independent is very difficult: · The mother died before the cubs were old enough to fend for themselves.· Dad always wanted me to be able to fend for myself from a very early age.· The children were left to fend for themselves on the streets.
to stand in a line of people also stand/wait on line American to stand in a line of people who are waiting to do something: · Jerry joined the crowd of people who were waiting in line outside the stadium.· Standing in line for hours at some government office was not exactly my idea of fun. to do something: · Are you in line to get tickets?
British to stand in a line of people who are waiting to do something: · We had to queue for hours in the rain.queue to do something: · One of the other passengers who was queueing to get on the train suddenly had a heart attack.queue for: · Thousands queued for tickets to see the final.
British /line up American to form a line or join a line of people who are standing one behind another in order to wait to do something, for example buy a ticket: · We queued up outside the stadium and had to wait over an hour for our tickets.queue up to do something: · People began lining up to get into the movie theater. queue up for: · We used to have to queue up for bread every morning.
if many people line a street, they stand next to each other in lines along the sides of it, especially in order to see an important person or event: · Hundreds of people lined the streets to see the football team go by.· The route taken by the Queen was lined with crowds of people waving flags.
loyal someone who is loyal can be trusted to always give help or support to their friends, their country, their political party etc: · Many of the party's loyal supporters have begun to question his leadership.· She has been a good and loyal friend to me.loyal to: · The army remained loyal to the president.
someone who is faithful continues to support or serve someone for a long time: · The band still has a large number of faithful followers.· The majority of Mark's supporters remained faithful throughout the crisis.· His faithful dog Hachiko waited for him.faithful to: · Many older people still remain faithful to the party.
: devoted follower/friend/husband etc a follower, friend etc who is very loyal to a person because they care deeply about them or because they enjoy or support what they do: · He described Mr Edwards as "a good man and a devoted husband."· Thousands of devoted fans waited in the rain for the group to arrive.
: staunch supporter/ally/friend etc someone who continues to be a strong supporter or a good friend in spite of problems or difficulties: · The US has been a staunch ally of ours for many years now.· He has been a staunch supporter of the Liberal Party for over thirty years.
to give support to a friend or country that is in difficulty: · I was lucky that my family all stuck by me when I was in prison.· She said she would stand by him whatever happened.· They were supposed to be our allies but they didn't stand by us when war broke out.
to be loyal to someone, especially a close friend or someone you love - used especially in stories: · You've been true to me all these years. How can I reward you?· They would remain true to their old friend no matter what happened.
to have a particular meaning to have a particular meaning - use this about words, signs, or statements: · What does "abandon" mean?· "Poultry" means chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese.· It says "not suitable for children", which means anyone under 16.mean (that): · The flashing light means we're running out of gas.· "Downsizing" simply means that firms are tending to buy smaller computers to do jobs which used to require big ones.what is meant by something: · What is meant by the term "random access"?
if a letter or group of letters stands for a word, name, or number, it is a short way of saying or writing it: · NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization.· What does the F in John F. Kennedy stand for?
if a shape, letter, object etc represents something, it is used as a sign for that thing in a map, plan, calculation etc: · The red lines on the map represent railways.· Single letters or combinations of letters represent different phonetic sounds.
also symbolise British if something such as an object or animal symbolizes an idea or quality, it is used as a sign to mean that idea or quality, especially in a story, a ceremony, or a particular society: · The lion symbolizes strength, the lamb symbolizes gentleness.· In Europe, the colour white symbolizes purity but in Asia it is often the symbol of deep mourning.· Cowardice is symbolized in the painting by the white feathers on the soldier's coat.
if a word or number denotes something, it means it in a very exact sense - used especially in technical contexts: · The dotted line on the graph denotes profits.· The English word "family" used to denote all the people in the house, including servants.· The quantity denoted by the letter E varies from experiment to experiment.
if a word connotes something, it makes you think of feelings and ideas that are not its actual meaning: · The word "jolly" often connotes that someone is fat.
to not meet someone even though you have arranged to informal to deliberately not go to meet someone that you have arranged to meet, especially a friend, or a boyfriend or girlfriend: stand somebody up: · She spent the whole evening wondering why her date had stood her up.stand up somebody: · If he continues to stand up his friends, he's not going to have any left.
also not show American informal to not meet someone at the place you have arranged to meet them: · A few of us had arranged to meet in town, but Jenny didn't turn up.· Peter always says he'll come, and then he just doesn't show up.· I waited for an hour but she didn't show.
something that is easy to notice a fact that is obvious is easy to see or realize: · She tried to look grateful, but her disappointment was obvious.it is obvious (to somebody) that: · It's obvious that Paul is in love with Liz.· It was obvious to everyone that Gina was lying.
easy to notice: · After two days there was a noticeable improvement in his health.· The new supermarket has had a noticeable effect on people's shopping habits.it is noticeable that: · It was noticeable that no one at the party was under 40.
formal someone or something that is conspicuous is very easy to notice, especially because they look very different from everyone or everything around them: · It was a small country town, and Lauren looked very conspicuous in her fashionable New York clothes.
eye-catching colours, designs, patterns etc are bright, attractive, and unusual, so everyone notices them: · an eye-catching ad· The posters come in several eye-catching designs.
if something stands out , it is easy to notice because it looks very different from everything around it: · A yellow background will make the black lettering stand out.· Joanna, a six-foot-three redhead, stood out in her small Iowa farm community like a palm tree in a cornfield.stand out against: · The dark shapes of the trees stood out against the evening sky.
spoken say this when you are telling someone how to get to a place that is very easy to find or to notice: · Their house has a pink door. You can't miss it.
the official opinion of a person or group what a government, political party, or a person has decided to be their official or public opinion: · It's important that the Socialists clarify their position before the conference.position on: · We have made our position on disarmament perfectly clear.take a position: · She takes the position that all asylum seekers should be made welcome.
the publicly stated opinion of a political party, government etc, which all their members are supposed to agree with: party/government/official etc line: · The whip's job is to persuade members of his party to support the party line on issues that come before Congress.line on: · What's his line on abortion?take a line on something: · There was pressure for the President to take a tough line on welfare issues.
the publicly stated opinion of a person, group, newspaper etc towards something, especially a political matter: · The political stance of the paper means it is unlikely to report the affair in a balanced way.· The official stance is that the lottery money should be used for the arts and education.stance on: · His tough stance on crime appeals to voters.take a stance on something: · The council has taken a pro-growth, pro-business stance on development issues.
the publicly stated opinion of a person or group, especially when previously this may not have been clear: · Voters need to know where each candidate stands.where sb stands on: · Where do the Democrats stand on the issue of sanctions?
when an object is in a particular place · Do you know where my keys are?be in/on/near/there etc · The television is in the living room.· Your supper's in the oven.· There's a letter for you on the table.
to be in a particular place in an upright position: · The linoleum was dented where a washer and dryer once stood.stand in/on/near/there etc: · A single tall candle stood in the middle of the table.· A Christmas tree stood near the fireplace.
to be in a flat position on a surface - use this about paper, clothes, books, or other things that can be placed flat: lie in/on/near/there etc: · Several letters were lying on the table.· The children's clothes were lying all over the bedroom floor.· Her packed suitcase was lying near the door.
when a country, town, company etc is in a particular place: be in/on/near/there etc · Egypt is in North Africa.· The bank is on the next corner.· Can you tell me where the station is?
if a building is located/situated in a particular street, town, or area, it is in that place. Be located/situated is more formal than be .: be located/situated in/at/near/there etc: · The bookshop is located at 120 Charing Cross Road.· A U.S. Air Force Base is located nearby.· The Duke's home is situated in an attractive part of central London.conveniently/pleasantly/ideally situated: · a new hotel, conveniently situated close to the airportconveniently/pleasantly/ideally located: · The two fisheries are ideally located between major markets in New York and Boston.
if a building or structure stands somewhere, it is in that place: · There is a parking lot now where the old school once stood.stand in/near/on there etc: · The house stood next to a church.
if a company or organization is based in a place, its main offices are there: be based in/at: · The United Nations is based in New York.· More than 200 aircraft will be based at Miramar Air Force Base.London-based/Tokyo-based etc: · a London-based insurance company
to do what you promised to do · She was crying because she thought he had not kept his promise.· Respect your teenager's privacy. If you promise not to tell her father, keep your word.keep your promise/word to do something · The government has kept its promise to cut taxes, but this has meant cuts in services, too.
to do or provide what you promised, especially in politics or business when people are uncertain whether you can do this: · Election candidates frequently promise a lot more than they can deliver.· The Prime Minister's economic development strategy has not delivered the promised benefits.deliver on a promise: · Yet again the management has failed to deliver on its promise to provide extra staff training.deliver the goods (=do or provide what you have promised): · Do you think she will be able to deliver the goods?
British /fulfill American formal to do what you have promised to do or what you must do, especially in politics or business: fulfil a pledge/promise/commitment: · Eisenhower finally fulfilled his campaign pledge to end the war in Korea.· In the ROTC program, students fulfill a service commitment after college, in return for a scholarship from the Army or Navy.fulfil a duty/mission: · The general did not have confidence that the Fourth Fleet would be able to fulfil its mission.
to faithfully keep an earlier promise or agreement although there may now be reasons for not keeping it: · Despite his family's opposition, Jake stood by his promise to marry her.· How could she stick to the agreement now that everything had changed so drastically?· I stand by what I said during the campaign.
use this when you are impressed with someone for doing what they promised to do: · The President promised to lower income taxes, and he's been as good as his word.
to do what you promised to do as part of an agreement in which both sides promised to do something: · The strike has ended. The employers must now keep their side of the bargain and increase overtime pay.
to make sure that someone does what they have promised to do: · Parents and teachers need to agree on goals for students, and hold them to it.· Government officials need to be held to their promises.
to put something in a sloping position to put something in a sloping position so that it is against a wall or other surface and is supported by it: · She leaned the ladder against the house and climbed up to the window.lean something (up) against something: · Soldiers leaned their M-16 rifles up against their tables as they ate.
to put something against a surface so that it is supported by it: rest something on/against something: · She slid down in her chair and rested her head on the back of the seat.· Resting his spade against the wall, he went to help Michael light the fire.
to lean something in an almost upright position against something such as a wall: stand something against/in etc: · Maggie stood her bicycle against the wall of the shed.· Just stand it in the corner, so it doesn't fall.
to lean something against a wall or other surface, especially quickly and for a short time: prop something against something: · He propped his bicycle against the fence and ran inside.stand/lie propped against something: · An old guitar lay propped against a wall.
to do someone's job or work for a temporary period to replace someone at work for a short time or on a particular occasion, because they are unable to be there: · Can you stand in for me at the meeting next week?· The President was unavailable and had the Vice President stand in for him.· During the dangerous scenes, a stunt woman stood in for Goldie Hawn.
to replace someone and do the same job as they were doing, so that they are free to have a rest or to do something else: · Liz, could you take over in reception while I make a couple of phone calls?take over from/for: · Can I see you in my office, Carl? I'm sure Dan can take over from you.take over something: · After we'd stopped for lunch Sheila took over the driving for a while.
also deputise British to replace someone in a higher position for a limited period or on a particular occasion, especially when they are busy doing something else: · My boss had to go to the Caribbean unexpectedly and asked me to deputize.deputize for: · The Foreign Minister will be deputizing for the Prime Minister while he recovers from his operation.· Paine, the second in command, deputized for the Colonel.
American informal to replace someone at work on a particular occasion, especially as a teacher or a member of a sports team: · Could you sub for me Monday? I have a doctor's appointment.· Eisenreich subbed for the injured Alou in Wednesday's game.
to replace someone, especially a soldier, when they need a rest or when they have completed their hours of work: · Can anyone relieve Tammy? She's been on duty for ten hours without a break.· He was sent to Cairo to relieve Captain Roberts for a few days.
to do the work, or to be ready to do the work, of someone who is absent: · Go and get some lunch. I'll cover for you.· My name's Dr Brown. I'm covering for Dr Steele while he's on holiday.
when a name or word is a shorter way of saying something · VHF is short for Very High Frequency.· 'Is "Shelley" short for anything?' 'Yes, my real name's Michelle.'· What's 'ISP' short for?
if a letter stands for a name or word, it is the first letter of that name or word: · 'What does "NAC" stand for?' 'National Aerobics Championships'.· On a US ship, you see 'USS', standing for 'United States Ship'.· The 'F' in 'John F Kennedy' stood for 'Fitzgerald'.
if you call someone or something a particular name for short , you call them by a name that is a shorter way of saying their real name: · Hi, my name's Moses -- Mo for short.· He's actually called Jeremy, but everyone who knows him calls him Jem for short.
to make a long name or word shorter so that it is easier to say or write: · Is it correct to abbreviate 'Avenue', 'Street' and so on when writing an address on an envelope?be abbreviated to something: · The word "kilogram' is usually abbreviated to "kg'.
a shorter way of saying a word or the name of something such as an organization or someone's job, especially by using the first letters of words instead of the whole words: · Disk Operating Systems are usually known by the abbreviation DOS.· a Dictionary of Acronyms and Abbreviations· I never knew the abbreviation 'GI' stood for 'Government Issue'.abbreviation for: · BBC is an abbreviation for British Broadcasting Corporation.
when a situation affects what happens or what you do use this to say that you think something should happen because of the situation now: · Normally I would have gone straight home, but under the circumstances I thought I should check on my mother.· Under the circumstances, I think the only thing you can do is apologize.· In the circumstances, it might be better if I gave the lecture rather than you.
use this when you think that something is not surprising if you consider the situation it happened in: · They tried to contact everyone and given the circumstances, I think they did very well.· Given the situation, the police officer's reaction is understandable.
use this when you are saying that something is necessary, impossible, difficult etc because of the present situation, which is not very good: · The way things are, we hardly ever manage to go out together except at the weekend.· The way things are at work, I'm surprised more people haven't quit.
use this when the situation now is different from the situation you expected or needed: · We were hoping to finish by 5 o'clock, but as it is, we'll be lucky to finish by 8!· Why start an argument? You're in enough trouble as it is!
use this when something happens, is true, or must be done because of the way the situation is now, although the situation may change in the future: · People talk about the British constitution, but as things stand there is no real constitution.· We may get a few more applicants, but the way things stand Mr. Davis looks like the best candidate.
especially British if something happens by force of circumstances , it happens differently from the way you expect or intend because the situation has changed: · By force of circumstances, I found myself having to share an office with my previous manager.· Force of circumstances compelled the senator to retire in 1934.
to treat someone strictly to treat someone very strictly and sometimes unfairly: · Sometimes I think you're too hard on that boy.· Don't be too hard on her. She didn't mean to break it.
to begin to treat someone strictly because they have been doing something that is wrong or illegal: · At last the government is starting to get tough with dealers who sell dangerous second-hard cars.· Football clubs have been told that they must get tough with violent fans.
if you say that you stand or take no nonsense , you mean you treat other people strictly, but in a way that makes people respect you: · I won't stand any nonsense. I want you all in bed by nine o'clock.stand/take no nonsense from: · She was a very good teacher who would take no nonsense from her students.
to control an organization or group of people very strictly, by always punishing people if they do not obey you: · Their mother ruled their life with a rod of iron.· The Secret police ruled the city with a rod of iron.
to strictly control someone's behaviour, for example by not allowing them to do things without asking your permission: · They keep a very tight rein on their children.· The government has promised to keep a tight rein on public spending.
when facts are shown to be true after being examined if an idea, or an explanation stands up or holds up , it is shown to be true when carefully examined or questioned: · Although his argument is appealing, it doesn't really hold up.stand up to examination/scrutiny (=be shown to be true after being carefully checked): · None of her theories about language really stands up to close scrutiny.stand/hold up in court: · My lawyer told me there was no point in starting the case, because it wouldn't stand up in a court of law.
if something that someone has told you checks out , it is proved to be true when you check it: · Everything she says checks out on our computer files.· If his alibi doesn't check out the police are going to charge him with murder.
when people unite if the people in a group pull together , they all work together to deal with a difficult situation: · In Japan in the 50s and 60s, the government, bankers and workers all pulled together and brought about what we now call "the economic miracle'.pull together to do something: · Parents, teachers, and students should all pull together to tackle the school's drugs problem.
if a group of people stand together , they unite and deal with a difficult or dangerous situation as a group: · We must all stand together on this one. I don't want anybody quitting or saying they don't want to get involved.· Somehow they stood together and kept the business going in spite of all that was going on.
informal if two or more people stick together , they continue to support each other even when there are problems or difficulties: · It is important for families to stick together.· We should be able to get out of this mess, provided we stick together.
if people who belong to a group or organization close ranks , they join together to protect each other, especially when the group or its members are being criticized or attacked: · When she applied for promotion, the male managers all closed ranks and made sure she didn't get it.· President Nixon's staff were instructed to close ranks in response to the Watergate arrests.
if a group of people are united, they support each other or are working together in a difficult situation: · Organisers want the conference to show that the party is united as never before.be united in: · The Council is united in its resolve to maintain and develop standards of professional management.
to put something into a vertical position to put something into a vertical position, especially when this is its usual position: stand something up: · Tom stood the statue up and looked at it.· Stand the wine bottle up for a few hours in a warm place before drinking.stand up something: · The bartender had to go round standing up all the stools that had been knocked down in the fight.
to put something in a vertical position, when this is not its usual position: · We had to stand the table on end to get it through the door.
when you stand in a line of people waiting British to stand in a line of people who are all waiting for the same thing: · Students were queuing up at the bus-stop.queue (up) to do something: · It's worth queuing up to get the best tickets.queue (up) for: · I hope we don't have to queue for tickets.
American to stand in a line of people who are all waiting for the same thing: · Go and wait in line like everyone else.stand/wait in line for: · There were about 50 people standing in line for tickets outside the club.stand/wait in line to do something: · People stood in line to touch him, believing his body had healing powers.
if people line up , they go and stand in a line and wait to do something or be given something: · The guard ordered us to line up by the wall.line up to do something: · Christopher and the other children lined up to receive their awards.
British /line American a group of people, standing one behind the other, who are all waiting for the same thing: · The queue went right round the block.queue for: · There was a long queue for the toilets.the front/back of the queue/line: · After waiting for an hour, we finally got to the front of the line.join a queue/get in line: · I joined the queue for a taxi.· Two people tried to get in line ahead of us.
British /be in (the) line American to be waiting in a line with people who are all waiting for the same thing: · While I was in the queue at the bank I met an old school friend.· Kerry started talking to the people who were in line ahead of us.be in the queue for: · Several people in the line for the rollercoaster gave up and left.
British to get something before other people who have been waiting for it longer than you: · My official uniform meant that we could jump the queue.· While ordinary citizens had to wait months to get hospital treatment, government officials were able to jump the queue.
informal to join a line in front of other people who are already waiting, so that you get something before them: · I hate people who push in in front of me!· Hey, that guy just cut in line!
to wait to spend time not doing very much, while you are expecting something to happen or expecting someone to arrive: · Wait here until I get back.· Hurry up, everyone's waiting.wait for somebody: · I'll stay here and wait for Suzie.wait for something: · We spent almost an hour just waiting for the bus.wait (for) a minute/two hours/a long time etc: · Where have you been? I've been waiting since 7:00.· You'll have to wait a few minutes - I'm not ready yet.wait to do something: · Are you waiting to use the phone?wait for somebody/something to do something: · She waited for him to reply.· He waited for the applause to die down before he continued speaking.keep somebody waiting (=make someone wait, for example by arriving late): · I'm so sorry I kept you waiting.wait and see (=wait to find out what will happen): · I've done as much as I can - now all I can do is wait and see what happens.wait-and-see attitude/position/approach etc: · The airline industry has adopted a wait-and-see attitude to the report's proposals.
spoken to wait, especially in a difficult situation, hoping that something good will happen: · Captain Damas decided it was best to hold on and wait for the other ship to arrive.· We knew that if we hung on long enough, things were bound to change.
also hang about British informal informal to wait in one place without doing anything, so that you are wasting time: · Sally hung around for over an hour but no-one came.· I wish we could get on with the job. I hate all this hanging about.hang around for British: · We spent half an hour hanging about for Kerry.hang around for hours/ages etc: · We were hanging around for hours before they opened the gates.keep somebody hanging around: · We can't keep our troops hanging around forever, doing nothing.
to wait and be ready to do something if needed: · The family stood by, knowing that she might wake up any minute.stand by for: · The crew was ordered to stand by for take-off.stand by to do something: · The Foreign Minister had a helicopter standing by to whisk him to the northern city of Afula.
to wait before doing something that other people are also waiting to do, because some of them have the right to do it before you: · Everyone has to wait their turn.wait your turn to do something: · A long line of people waited their turn to shake his hand.
to wait until something has finished, especially something unpleasant or boring: sit it out: · If the plane's late, there's nothing we can do except sit it out.sit something out: · Tony forced himself to sit the play out.sit out something: · Like many people in the community, we sat out the storm at home, hoping no disasters would occur.
formal to wait for something: · The committee is awaiting a decision from head office before it takes any action.· Two men have been charged with murder and are now in prison awaiting trial.
used to describe things that you have waited for for a long time: · The next morning we received the long-awaited order to attack.· It is hoped that these measures will trigger the long-awaited upturn in the economy.
to watch someone or something continuously to watch someone or something continuously because they are very interesting, exciting or attractive: · The woman had hardly taken her eyes off him all evening.· The dog scuttled across to the other side of the room, without taking his eyes off me.can't/couldn't take your eyes off: · Charlie couldn't take his eyes off Rose.
to stand next to someone and watch what they are doing, especially because you want to make sure that they do it right: · Do I have to stand over you to make sure you do your homework?· Liz dragged her out of bed and stood over her while she got dressed.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Stand still (=do not move) and listen to me. Don’t just stand there (=stand and not do anything) – help me! They just stood there laughing. We stood watching the rain fall. The kitchen door stood open so she went in. countries that have stood together (=stayed united) in times of crisis I know he can’t stand the sight of me. She’s a strong woman who stands no nonsense from anyone. His poetry will stand the test of time (=stay popular). What do firms think they stand to gain by merging? The trophy stands five feet high. John stood six feet tall. Time seems to have stood still in this lovely hotel. She always stood out in a crowd. Stand up straight and don’t slouch! Without a witness, the charges will never stand up in court (=be successfully proved in a court of law).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The professor stands accused of (=has been accused of) stealing his student’s ideas and publishing them. Initially, the President remained aloof from the campaign. He started as a stand-up comedian (=someone who tells jokes to an audience). a stand-up comic A psychiatrist said McKibben was competent to stand trial. The official death toll stands at 53. The old mine now stands completely deserted. He stood on the doorstep, straightening his tie. There was Paolo, standing in the doorway. The building stood empty for several years. Martin stood erect on the platform. They don’t stand a ghost of a chance of winning. Gunmen stood guard at the camp entrance. The whole team stood idle, waiting for the mechanic. I cannot stand idly by and let him take the blame. The four men were standing in a line on the other side of the table. Customers stood in line for 20 minutes at the cash register. a long-standing member of the committee a long-standing feud between the two families the long-standing problem of keeping costs down Creditors and investors stand to lose (=risk losing) vast sums after the company’s collapse. The men stood motionless as Weir held his finger to his lips. The Chancellor’s entrance was greeted with a standing ovation (=everyone stood up). He took a principled stand against the legislation. You can’t stay on the sidelines for ever; it’s time you got involved. Mark used to do stand-up at Roxy’s Bar. There was standing room only (=no seats were left) in the courthouse. We stood still and watched as the deer came closer. She stood on tiptoe to kiss him.
Stand still (=do not move) and listen to me. Don’t just stand there (=stand and not do anything) – help me! (=support yourself on your toes) If he stood on tiptoe, he could reach the shelf.
If he stood on tiptoe, he could reach the shelf. They just stood there laughing. We stood watching the rain fall. British English (=step away from something in order to be safe) Stand clear of the doors, please.
Stand clear of the doors, please. The kitchen door stood open so she went in. (=not being used) scores of derelict houses standing empty I’m not too thrilled with the way things stand (=the state that the situation is in) at the moment. The evidence, as it stands (=as it is now), cannot be conclusive.
scores of derelict houses standing empty I’m not too thrilled with the way things stand (=the state that the situation is in) at the moment. The evidence, as it stands (=as it is now), cannot be conclusive. (=used to ask what is happening in a situation) Where do things stand in terms of the budget?
Where do things stand in terms of the budget? (=agree or disagree completely) He urged the whole community to stand united and to reject terrorism.
He urged the whole community to stand united and to reject terrorism. (=be prepared to do something whenever it is necessary) We should stand ready to do what is necessary to guarantee the peace.
We should stand ready to do what is necessary to guarantee the peace. countries that have stood together (=stayed united) in times of crisis (=admire them, be afraid of them, or both)
I know he can’t stand the sight of me. She’s a strong woman who stands no nonsense from anyone. His poetry will stand the test of time (=stay popular). What do firms think they stand to gain by merging? The trophy stands five feet high. John stood six feet tall. Time seems to have stood still in this lovely hotel. She always stood out in a crowd. Stand up straight and don’t slouch! Without a witness, the charges will never stand up in court (=be successfully proved in a court of law). The professor stands accused of (=has been accused of) stealing his student’s ideas and publishing them. Initially, the President remained aloof from the campaign. (=permanent and existing whether there is a war or not)· The regular army has about 5,000 troops.
(=compete for a position in an election)· Lee stated that he did not intend to stand as a candidate in the presidential elections.
(=it is possible you will do it)· I think you have a good chance of getting the job.
He started as a stand-up comedian (=someone who tells jokes to an audience). (=performances with one person telling jokes alone)· He developed a stand-up comedy act.
a stand-up comic (=leave it)· Everyone was sorry when he stood down from the committee.
(=a permanent one)
A psychiatrist said McKibben was competent to stand trial.· At this point in the service the congregation stands.
· At this point in the service the congregation stand.
· The mountains stand in stark contrast to the area around them.
· She stood on the corner saying goodnight to Michael.
(=to allow someone to treat you badly)· I’m not going to take any more of this crap!
The official death toll stands at 53. The old mine now stands completely deserted. (=table with shelves etc used for showing things to the public)· A lot of companies had impressive display stands in the conference hall.
He stood on the doorstep, straightening his tie. There was Paolo, standing in the doorway. The building stood empty for several years. Martin stood erect on the platform. (=a stand for showing things at an exhibition)· He took up his position at the exhibition stand.
(=one that has existed for a long time)· There is a long-standing friendship between the two countries.
They don’t stand a ghost of a chance of winning.· He said they should celebrate their achievements, not nurse old grudges.
Gunmen stood guard at the camp entrance. The whole team stood idle, waiting for the mechanic. I cannot stand idly by and let him take the blame. (=an invitation to do something at any time you like)· Phillip kindly gave me an open invitation to stay at his villa in Tuscany.
(=an invitation which someone has had for a long time)· He had accepted a long-standing invitation to address the conference.
The four men were standing in a line on the other side of the table. Customers stood in line for 20 minutes at the cash register. a long-standing member of the committee a long-standing feud between the two families the long-standing problem of keeping costs down Creditors and investors stand to lose (=risk losing) vast sums after the company’s collapse. The men stood motionless as Weir held his finger to his lips. The Chancellor’s entrance was greeted with a standing ovation (=everyone stood up). (=try to be elected)· Ms Jackson stood for Parliament as a Labour candidate.
(=how popular a poll shows them to be)· The president's standing in the polls declined sharply.
· The priest rose from his kneeling position by the bed.
He took a principled stand against the legislation.· She stood in the queue at the checkout.
(=is not beaten)· His record stood for 42 years.
(=a very angry row)· That night there was a stand-up row among the four kidnappers.
(=be found to have faults when examined)· Such arguments do not stand up to careful scrutiny.
You can’t stay on the sidelines for ever; it’s time you got involved. Mark used to do stand-up at Roxy’s Bar. There was standing room only (=no seats were left) in the courthouse.· His statue now stands in the courtyard.
We stood still and watched as the deer came closer. (=there are drops of sweat on someone's forehead)· Sweat stood out on Ian's forehead.
(=at present)· As things stand at the moment, I have no intention of becoming a candidate myself.
She stood on tiptoe to kiss him. (=a long tradition)· In time-honoured tradition, they have a drink in every pub along the high street.
(=be judged in a court of law)· Doctors said he was unfit to stand trial.
· The ceiling was so low I was unable to stand upright.
(=sit or stand with your back very straight)· Murphy and I both sat bolt upright when we heard the alarm.
(=where the witness sits when speaking in court)· He spent three hours in the witness stand.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· In one corner is a bath and about three nurses are standing around with masks on.· But these classical kids just stood around in rehearsal waiting to be shown what to do.· They all stood around staring at her and smiling awkwardly, as if she was embarrassing.· He closed his eyes on the idea of people standing around a grave and this poor woman trying to fathom it all.· When I arrived at St Andrews everybody was standing around, and then Arnold comes out.· I went outside and stood around with the men in the road.· Musical Freeze Players stand around the room.· As it was, I had to stand around a bar packed two and three deep.
· He stood aside and the great vehicle moved ponderously out of the garage.· He looked at Louis, who stood aside watching Jambo out of wounded, soulful eyes.· It seemed unbelievable that they would stand aside and let them leave like this.· Then he stood aside again, still conducting, urging her to move faster.· We stood aside on the trail and let them pass.· Kate Miskin pushed open the first door on the left and stood aside for Dalgliesh and Massingham to enter.· Mundin unlocks the door to the cabin and stands aside to let the ladies in.
· I stood back and she went past me like a ship sailing into war.· But if you stood back and looked at our business, this was a ridiculous attitude.· Edouard stood back by the doors, watching her, his face oddly closed.· Dolores stood back grinning, urging Ruth to go on in.· I would stand back and try to line up at a better angle, but still the thought was there.· Rohmer stood back, screaming obscenities at him.· Mix in the hair-trigger rage that can result from steroid use and, well, stand back, ladies and gentlemen.
· Vigilant was also called upon to stand by in the Thames approaches to assist as necessary.· He went and stood by her side, his arm around her slender waist.· Karlheinz caught the wave, then turned the camera on the group of figures standing by.· The world stood by in silence.· Stand by for a revealing insight into your childhood or upbringing.· Special helps are hard to come by but bullies are standing by with sticks in their hands at every door.· We can not stand by and wait for the equivalent of the Apple Macintosh to create a second empowerment of our students.
· I am still 100 percent behind Credit Management and all that it stands for.· What do the initials stand for?· Is it realising the socialist ideals that we stood for?· Why were heterosexual feminists outraged and repelled by us and all we stood for?· She hated Mrs Ramsay and all she stood for.· If one is to avoid this simple circularity, then one must explain standing for in terms of some natural relation between particulars.· It was one of those pictures that went totally against the grain of everything that the movie industry believed it stood for.
· The lane they were standing in was bordered by two rows of trees.· Fong stood in the doorway, his invitation clutched tightly in his hand.· He would stand in for her.· They were standing in the shadowy arcade that encircled the cobblestone courtyard.· Proud and pleased to be playing opposite Frank Donovan who had once stood in for Hayden Coffin.· Files that do nothing but stand in for other files.· All are family run and stand in or very close to the resort centre.· He could have been standing in almost any room of the old Porter place, he thought.
· It is a tiny building, only 38 by 25 feet, and now stands a little below the present pavement level.· His former work force of 1, 300 now stands at 220.· The rate now stands at 12 percent.· He had folded the thin dish towel over his forearm and stood now with clasped hands.· These buildings now stand empty and unused.· He stood now with the sponge dripping down his side.· The result now stands at 21 - 16 in Aberdeen's favour with 3 matches halved.· Johnstone now stands 6-4 and weights 255.
· The East Anglians stood out from the local people, both by reason of their speech and their dress.· It made me stand out, and I liked the feeling: I fed off it.· For these reasons feminist values stand out like a sore thumb.· I have used dozens of makes of socks and the one that stands out above all the others is Thor-Lo.· Use wall lighting to make your favourite prints stand out.· The names of four choreographers immediately stand out.· We stood out in the churchyard, wrapped in shawls listening to the hymns and hearing the organ peeling out.· Scott squeezed more tightly, the muscles in his forearm standing out like chords.
· It too was replaced by a larger stone station, part of which still stands beside the modern structure which succeeded it.· I have stood still instead of fighting on her side as I did in the basement in Lobethal.· Few products stand still in terms of their costs.· Time may not have stood still there, but it was close.· I looked back, they were still standing there showing no signs of pain.· Elvis and the hundreds gathered there stand still and quiet.· You then have 15 seconds' rest, during which time you must stand still.· And then the carts with their array of pastry to make the heart stand still.
· Mrs Phipps stood there, quiet, plain, dressed in dove grey, with a handkerchief clutched in her hand.· But Karen is just standing there, ashen.· She was conscious of that as he stood there, watching her.· You stand there, insert copious schillings, and hey presto! the machine does the rest.· Maybe he had been standing there so long his mind had just gone off the job.· But standing there with Billie, surrounded by implements that promised home improvement, he yielded to an acquisitive urge.· I just stood there like a goof waiting for him to introduce her.· She was standing there half-dressed, a black skirt, no stockings yet, no shoes, a white blouse not buttoned.
· They stood together, barely touching.· We stood together on the train platform, in silence.· The great lady and the little gentleman stood together on the hearthrug.· We stood together in the quaint street with our pants around our ankles.· For some reason she recalled that moment during the afternoon when they had stood together on the slope looking down on Rocamar.· We stood together in the doorway.· We stood together in silence for a long moment.· This happens especially with verbs that stand together when one comes to be felt as a mere satellite of the other.
· He ate it standing up by the sink, and deliberately left the little pot on the marble work surface.· Is this the best way to show women how this clothing might stand up to real-world stresses and tribulations?· The narrators have been persecuted for standing up for their principles.· Maybe even stand up, if everyone else does.· The most comfortable position was to stand up.· Mr Cox stood up and walked out, followed by others.· This was the reason she stood up.· She stood up straight, wiped at her face and seemed alarmed to find it veiled.
· Every tree is unique, with shapes that evoke a person standing upright with raised arms.· He stood upright on the driver's seat, staring up into the clouds.· With the breath sucked out of her lungs, she could barely stand upright in the face of the gusts.· When at last she was able to stand upright in safety, her knees buckled and her body was drenched with sweat.· Mom stands upright, her skis over her shoulder, a pair of climbing skins wrapped jauntily about her waist.· If knocked over, you stood upright again, at attention, and took the punishment until the staff tired of it.· It is a pleasure to stand upright again.
NOUN· As they approached, Schellenberg pulled Devlin to one side and stood at attention.· It stands to attention, striking the air with a knowing finger.· You stand at attention until assigned.· Two guards, both armed with machine-pistols, stood stiffly to attention either side of him.· They walked slowly, led by the bagpipers, past an honor guard of law enforcement officers standing stiffly at attention.· As soon as you saw that you were about to be struck, you stood at attention and waited for the blows.· When a teacher entered or left a room, we stood at attention until given permission to do otherwise.
· Voice over Coetzer must draw that sting to stand any chance of survival on Saturday.· Why Forbes thought that he stood a realistic chance of success this year is a question that baffled observers.· He's decided to come into motor sport and stands a good chance.· Red letter customers need to witness investment returns greater than 8 per cent to stand any chance of repaying their mortgage.· If you do not get a seat in the chambers of which you are a pupil, you stand little chance elsewhere.· No Labour rethink that ignores this will stand a chance of success in the future.· While you're here don't say it, and we might all stand a chance of getting out of here alive.· This means that the salespeople for all of these products stand some chance of success.
· Yanto was one of those men who stood out in a crowd.· A small crowd of living stood watching the growing crowd of dead.· Nisodemus stood slightly ahead of the crowd, holding his hands in the air.· Irvin stood before the crowd at Texas Stadium that day and blistered the fans who ripped Switzer.· They stood amid the station crowds, arguing.· Primo and the man stand facing the crowd.· She had stood out in the crowd even amongst the beautiful beach children of San Francisco.· And I was standing over with the crowd of my brothers and sisters.
· The inner door stood open and through it she caught sight of Eleanor Shergold sitting in one of the pews.· The doors of the Huey stood open, and the rush of air was exhilarating.· The kitchen door stood open and on impulse she went in.· Returning to the side door, he stood just inside it for a while and then stepped out to the sidewalk.· He stopped by on his night off, was let in the stage door, and stood in the wings.· At the door Nurse Lambert stood waiting with a wheelchair - crisp, starched, bright as the April sunlight.
· He was standing just inside the doorway, supporting Piper O'Rourke, who was looking old, tired and bruised.· A medic stood in the doorway of the operating tent diverting some of the stretchers away.· Trent walked round through the lean-to kitchen and stood in the doorway, from where he could see into the restaurant.· Steve Cooper was standing in an outside doorway of the building he owns in downtown Olympia.· She was standing in the doorway and smiling uncertainly.· A volunteer from Project Open Hand was standing in their doorway holding a large box decorated with streamers and balloons.· Later, Ashley stood in the doorway of the barn.· When Dorothy stood in the doorway and looked around, she could see nothing but the great grey prairie on every side.
· If her party backed her, she said, she would stand in presidential elections later in the year.· Of the 20 Cabinet ministers and ministers of state in the outgoing government to stand for election only four were returned.· The right to stand for election still remained restricted to Matai.· His party stood in these elections pledging to fight the undoubted problems faced by many constituents.· He flatly rejected the pleas of Aung San to stand for election.· Did you know that 30 Tory knights of shire and suburb are not standing at the election?· On Jan. 20 Chalerm, leader of the Muan Chon, announced that he would stand in the forthcoming elections.· You have said that you will stand in the presidential election next April.
· She straightened where she stood and regarded his feet critically.· Richard stood five foot ten, slightly stooped.· As he sipped his cider, Yanto's attention was drawn to a group standing a few feet from their table.· Law enforcement agents and reporters were standing within feet of the trash bin where the second blast occurred.· Accordingly it stood five feet high, surrounded by a low rail and of course covered with straw.· The last time that happened was in 1950, when Manvel's main street stood a foot deep in water.· She, who'd always stood on her own feet, fought her own battles.· Goldie Preston Tracy Richmond stood 6-foot-4, weighed 350 pounds and wore a man's size 14 shoe.
· She's standing there in front of her doll's house, doors folded right back.· Mulcahey stood in front of the dressing-room mirror.· One stands naked facing front with her arms raised around her head which turns to face the sea.· What made him feel more ashamed, standing in front of Cristalena, or Firebug?· I stood there in front of him with my chin jerking.· Three men approached the car, and one of them stood in front of it, Velarde said.· There should not be a guard standing in front of a gate asking for identification.· The moment they emerged from the field, Jinju felt as if she were standing naked in front of a crowd.
· Nell flinched, but stood her ground.· But he could doggedly stand his ground.· Magee stood his ground a moment longer, then headed towards the stone steps.· The guide, however, stood his ground, frantically giving me unrecognizable signs.· I calculate, I stand my ground.· When Moon-Watcher reached the far side, One-Ear was still standing his ground.· At length I stood on the ground, up to my ankles in fresh-fallen snow.· I stood my ground, hands on hips, scowling.
· His hair stood up, like wire.· His hair stood up in an Afro cut.· I felt the hairs stand on my head; my legs were fast emptying.· Her dark hair stood out like an untidy halo around her head.· My limbs fail, my mouth is parched, my hair is standing on end.
· His very stance could be intimidating, standing with his head lowered, bull-like.· Maybe I have to stand on my head to prove I mean it.· Himmler was standing at the head of the great table flanked by Rossman and Berger.· Even Orion stands on his head in the night sky.· That, of course, is to stand reality on its head, since the industrialised nations are manifestly the real environmental villains.· Jackson stood head and shoulders above his confreres, and...· Somehow the doctrine of the Fall had been stood on its head.· Jody stands at the head of the small room, her eyes bloodshot, her face pale and blotchy under the makeup.
· She stood briefly in the kitchen, glaring at Josie.· She stood him on the kitchen table, where he dripped soapy water on to the plastic tablecloth.· As Emily Mahon stood in the kitchen she hoped that Nan would be warm and pleasant to her father this morning.· I stood in the kitchen breathing hard, then felt my way to the ladder.· Piers was standing in the small kitchen, dwarfing it with his presence.· They eat standing up in the kitchen.· Emily sighed as she stood in the shabby kitchen.· They were standing in the kitchen loading the dishwasher and putting the salads in the fridge when a picture caught her eye.
· For much of the time they stand on one leg, hunched and sentinel-like at the water's edge.· I stood Janir on my legs so he could look out the window.· He stood, legs apart, arms lifted above his head.· She walked over to him and stood between his legs as he sat in the chair and began untying his tie.· Any exercises which use the calf muscles, such as heel raises, hopping, standing on one leg would be beneficial.· It stood on four rickety legs in a weedy yard.· I watch it stand on its hind legs with its snout on the worktop.· When he tried to stand, his legs would not respond.
· But now the first thing I saw were the lines on his face standing out like the lines on a charcoal drawing.· They resented standing in line while tellers explained money-market accounts and no-load funds to prospective investors.· Joshua Morris left the hall and stood in line for a cup of Gold Blend.· But there are a number of compelling reasons to stand in line.· On the other side of the gorge stood a line of eight irregularly shaped monoliths.· Oswald stood at the white line, looking away.· Similarly, for safety's sake, photographers are obliged to stand behind police lines.· She made us stand in line.
· Often a second man would be standing by to perform the same ritual.· Glover waited and then saw the man standing just inside the screen, almost invisible.· The man was standing undecided in the middle of the road like a rabbit caught in headlights at night.· Holmes pointed to a man standing by a hansom cab, from which he had evidently just dismounted.· A third man was standing on the far side of the car.· At the center, his grandfather, as a young man, stands behind a chair in which his wife sits.· Local man Kevin Wilson stands for Labour.· This big man stood in front of me.
· Magee stood his ground a moment longer, then headed towards the stone steps.· He stood for a moment, rubbing his chin.· He stood for a moment and then started to go out.· Mark stood for a few moments at the corner of Parliament Street and Bridge Street.· The Colonel was flung back against the wall where he stood, for a moment, a puzzled expression on his face.· She stood there for a moment, very still and looked over at Linda.
· The wind ripped through the room in which we stood.· In the centre of the room stood the figure of a man.· He crossed the room, stood in front of the board, and thought for a moment.· In a corner of Frankie's room stood a large wooden chest whose drawers were too stiff for him to open.· He entered the room where the wheelchair stood folded at the back of the tiny cedar closet.· The heavy pine door of room 301 stood ajar, numerals depicted in hand-painted tiles set flush with the white-stucco wall.
· One was Hank, who stood at his side, pulling his sleeve to make him stop.· While the other tour members chatted and compared equipment Mom stood to one side, her face pale under the fluorescent lights.· I stood over the other side of the road from it and watched.· They stood side by side, taking turns.· A third man was standing on the far side of the car.· We stood on the side of the road and fanned ourselves.· We wound up standing at the side of the lake at Worcester College.
· These shoes had stood him in good stead.· This habit of work, which is by now natural to me, has stood me in good stead.· Now we had moved on to bigger and better things, this predictability still stood us in good stead.· A man-made clock would certainly prove a useful accessory to astronomical reckoning but could never stand in its stead.· However, it is one that, if you take the trouble to learn properly, will stand you in good stead.· The change in the secretary general is likely to stand her in good stead with committee Chairman Jesse Helms, R-N.· As I developed I became a big bloke and that stood me in good stead.· Her impartiality stood me in good stead.
· But this simplistic account of that crucial phase of evolution has not stood the test of modern investigation.· And the only answer that has stood the test of time and scrutiny is that there was no designer.· Finally, there are two general principles of delegation that have certainly stood the test of time.· Seve was no Hogan, no golfing machine-his game was erratic and did not stand up to acute tests of accuracy.· The performances have not stood the test of time; a successor would be very welcome.· We have obscenity standards that have stood the test of time.· Unlike so many others, a Swan stands the tests of time well.· It was a friendship that endured, that stood all the standard tests of time, sickness and hardship.
· A nice young woman was standing in front of a shop window.· Not the arrangements and boxes Slater sends her mysteriously for weeks after he spots her standing in her window, crying.· She guessed that he had been standing at the window or listening for the sound of her key in the lock.· He stands outside the window looking in at shoppers in the bright warm light of the store.· While waiting for the kettle to boil, she stood at the window watching the rain.· Had stood outside the window listening.· Chapter Ten At ten-thirty next morning Captain Maestrangelo stood at the window in his office looking down intently at the street.· The detective was standing by the window, a short chunky man of about thirty-five.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► stand somebody up► if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen► somebody/something could stand something► stand firm/stand fast► stand bail► somebody can do something standing on their head► be stood on its head► not stand on ceremony► stand by something► stand by somebodyPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not stand/have a cat in hell’s chance (of doing something)► stand on your dignity► stand easy► leave somebody/something standing► stick out/stand out a mile► be able to stand the pace► be sick of/can’t stand/hate the sight of somebody/something
- He stands to make a good deal of money.
- The Senate stood to welcome the new President.
- Would you all please stand to sing hymn 106?
- A gene in a splurge-weed cell stands to gain by promoting the reproduction of its cell.
- Concierges also stand to make money out of sports tickets.
- Doug Jones stands to inherit the Myers' closer role.
- For a while we stand to one side, then sit down in the second row of benches.
- Kitty probably stands to gain a couple mill.
- One report suggested off-course bookmakers stood to lose as much as £100,000.
- The guide should have made us all stand to attention and salute.
- There are now nine partners who stand to profit from the sale.
- I do not want to stand up and be counted as a supporter of those demands.
- Those who admire her should stand up and be counted.
- We really need more help from you good men to stand up and be counted!
- Oh, well, I stand corrected, ladies.
- Voters need to know where each candidate stands.
- Where do the Democrats stand on the issue of sanctions?
- Well from where I stand, it looks like you've found a good job.
- But from where I stand, it is the wider issue of transparency that really counts.
- Even from where I stood, I glimpsed Eadred's agitation.
- He ambled over to the nearest tree - happily some metres from where I stood hidden, and turned towards the tower.
- I can shake things up a little from where I stand.
- I could smell its peppery, pungent scent from where I stood.
- But Catholic bishops have let both parties know where they stand.
- Do you know where you stand?
- I am only ensuring we both know where we stand.
- Imagine a man in public office that everybody knew where he stood.
- My father died, I didn't know where I stood on the team, we lost a lot of games.
- She knew where he stood over Grunte.
- Well, now she knew where she stood.
- You knew where you stood with the Cold War.
- The colonel gave the order for the men to stand to attention.
- We stood at attention until we were given permission to leave.
- An hour later he was standing to attention in a depleted square of those who had survived the battle.
- Even the few pots of make-up on the blue-flowered dressing table seemed to be standing to attention.
- Farrar knew what he had got into now, and stood to attention.
- It stands to attention, striking the air with a knowing finger.
- One man in the crowd removed his hat and stood to attention, head bowed in prayer.
- The guide should have made us all stand to attention and salute.
- The Major stood to attention and saluted.
- The older one put his hand to his mouth and coughed and stood to attention and the younger one shot his cuffs.
- A malevolent demon was standing on his head.
- And the hoops were made by soldiers, who turned over and stood on their hands and feet.
- I can do it standing on my head, although I won't.
- Maybe I have to stand on my head to prove I mean it.
- She had a washboard stomach, and her boyfriend would stand on his hands on chairs balanced above her.
- Somehow the doctrine of the Fall had been stood on its head.
- Susan was teaching Wyatt how to stand on his hands.
- We did; the moment the car stopped there I jumped out and stood on my head in the grass.
- At 6 a.m. people were already standing in line to buy bread.
- Damned and despairing we stand in line, and behind all success, wealth and power, the henchman is there.
- However, you won't find them standing in line for tickets to Bird World.
- Instead I take another coffee, standing in line amongst some very fat people.
- Joshua Morris stood in line waiting to be searched for an offensive weapon.
- Joshua Morris left the hall and stood in line for a cup of Gold Blend.
- They resented standing in line while tellers explained money-market accounts and no-load funds to prospective investors.
- Wherever the vaccine was available, parents with their children stood in lines that sometimes snaked for blocks around doctors' offices.
- You squeeze by several dozen other people who are standing in line to enter...
- Get Gretzky or stand pat, either Smith disrupted the team or failed to help it.
- They have not stood pat while other teams attempted to capitalize on their setbacks.
- Again, standing alone this evidence is not probative of any discrimination in the local construction industry...
- Bedford stood alone and put his drink down on the table.
- But Boston stands alone in saying officially and unequivocally that no such condition exists here.
- Clasper stood alone on the box, clasping a hand microphone to his ranting mouth.
- Frequently the theatre-in-education group is associated with a historical site, although their workshops can stand alone and take place in school.
- He stood alone for a minute, until she was out of sight.
- It is often said of him that he stood alone.
- They stand alone - and fall alone.
- Could you stand still for just a minute and listen to me?
- Space technology has not stood still.
- But, although Ashley stood still and wary, her son showed no inhibitions.
- I stood still, right where I was, eavesdropping.
- I have stood still instead of fighting on her side as I did in the basement in Lobethal.
- I seemed to be standing still.
- She stood still, all amazed.
- She stood still, savouring the accumulation of days of her life behind her like beads on a string, something tangible.
- The law has not been standing still since Jorden v. Money.
- The young woman stood still, waiting and smiling: small as a child in her glimmering white silk.
- You'll stand a better chance of getting a job with a degree.
- C., woman fumed outside the museum where a crowd stood hoping to get a ticket to hear Wiesel.
- Dougal didn't struggle: even if he could have got out of the duvet, he wouldn't have stood a chance.
- In the face of Queeensrÿche they didn't stand a chance.
- No Labour rethink that ignores this will stand a chance of success in the future.
- Schools from across the country craved his talents, but only two stood a chance.
- The rest must keep pace if they are to stand a chance-advertising works.
- The women stand a chance in the foil competition with Charlene DiMiceli.
- This was the crunch match they really had to win to stand a chance of staying up.
- I wouldn't want to stand in the way of progress.
- All that stood in the way of victory was a touch of bad luck.
- Even worse, some think public relations stands in the way of getting at the real facts.
- Labor-Management Cooperation Many public managers believe that unions are the greatest obstacle standing in the way of entrepreneurial government.
- North West side Brigade stand in the way of North Down's success - and they look to be formidable opposition.
- Nothing seemed to stand in the way.
- Shelford was at full throttle and all that stood in his way to a four pointer was the frail-looking frame of Roebuck.
- With luck, fewer barriers may stand in the way.
- Able to stand on her own feet.
- I guess I shall have to learn to stand on my own feet.
- Out-and-out competitive in the world market standing on our own feet?
- She's very kind, but we ought to stand on our own feet.
- She, who'd always stood on her own feet, fought her own battles.
- Such beliefs are able to stand on their own feet, without support from others.
- Using the market price means that each division must stand on its own feet, as though it were an independent company.
- But the important decisions ... well, it stands to reason that these would be the sole responsibility of the man.
- Well, it stands to reason, doesn't it?
- Well, it sounds a very obvious thing for us to say - but it stands to reason.
- But the argument must stand or fall on its merits.
- For the government, acceptance of central planning did not stand or fall on the issue of nationalisation.
- It seems that this is a case that will stand or fall on its own particular facts.
- Mr Karimov knows that he will stand or fall on his ability to stave off economic collapse.
- The school has an outstanding and deserved reputation, which will stand or fall by the testimony of its pupils.
- The storyline was always going to stand or fall by the performance of Tim Guinee as Lazar.
- The success of the new News at Ten will stand or fall on his relationship with the seven million plus viewers.
- Their case would stand or fall on her reliability.
- If you stand guard over our stuff, I'll run get the tickets.
- A deputy stands guard under the black numeral 2.
- A police officer armed with a semi-automatic gun stood guard.
- A pro-choice president now stands guard over abortion rights.
- Riot police stood guard even in tiny back alleys.
- Soldiers stand guard on street corners and roam the city at night.
- Teachers stood guard every night and he was never alone.
- Then one stood guard over her while the other two searched the house.
- An employee of the bank is due to stand trial on embezzlement charges in February.
- Brady stood trial for the killings late last year.
- The judge ruled that Pinochet was too ill to stand trial in Spain.
- After psychiatric evaluations found that he was competent to stand trial, Harwood pleaded guilty July 16 to second-degree murder.
- Baya, for his part, said he was ready to stand trial, but then he left the country.
- Laurent Fabius, the former Prime Minister, and members of his Government finally stood trial this year.
- Major, who had a string of previous convictions, stood trial for the bookies' robbery.
- Salvi has been declared mentally competent to stand trial Feb. 5.
- The remaining three are to stand trial.
- Two drivers stand trial over deaths of five young people.
- A mere 18 months ago members of his International Olympic Committee stood accused of taking bribes.
- He stands accused of possessing cocaine and marijuana.
- He stood accused of trying to disguise a crude revenue-raising measure.
- It stands accused of being elitist and inaccessible.
- No surprise, then, that the airline stands accused of corporate arrogance and customer neglect.
- The two officials stand accused of ordering the beatings.
- Fenton stood tall and stared down the gunmen.
- Before such a leader, all enemies will cower, While Devi Lal stands tall.
- But there was Elder Seth, standing tall, and smiling just like her old man.
- Of the Warriors playing Sunday night, only Todd Fuller stood taller than 6-foot-9; four were guards.
- The only Senate list on which we stand tall: Best-Dressed, .
- Theodora stood tall and handsome in the tiny modem hall.
- They stand tall, jut their chins out, call no one Sir and can lick any man in the house.
- Don't invite Alice. Mum can't stand the sight of her.
- Europeans never stay there for long. They can't stand the heat.
- Her father can't stand liver and onions.
- I can't stand the way he's always telling people what they should do.
- If there's one thing I can't stand, it's hypocrisy.
- She couldn't stand the thought of losing her children.
- We used to be quite good friends but now I can't stand her.
- A minute or two later-they are standing, drinking wine before dinner.
- He and Rufus had stood there drinking wine.
- Gabriel had the window wide open and was standing there looking down at him.
- He stands looking down at me.
- He stood looking down at Tibbles, breathing heavily.
- He walked slowly over to the door, and stood looking down at her.
- Jane crossed to the windows and stood staring down into the street.
- Then he stood looking down at Tim Reagan.
- Even the Tories saw that the country would not stand for the Mad Woman's poll tax and ditched it.
- He replaces Berndt Schultz, the Fair's founder, who did not stand for re-election.
- However, she did not stand for re-election in 1979.
- I will not stand for it.
- In Michael's mind it was tantamount to mutiny and he would not stand for anyone disagreeing with him.
- Kate would not stand for anything like that, she was too straight.
- Never, say the sceptics: the man does not stand for anything.
- That left him with one explanation for the rarity of polygamy in sparrows: The senior wives do not stand for it.
- For talent, popularity, and style, Muhammad Ali stands alone.
- I stood alone on the shore of the lake.
- The house stood alone at the end of the road.
- The vote on the ban was 14-1, with Britain standing alone.
- Again, standing alone this evidence is not probative of any discrimination in the local construction industry...
- Bedford stood alone and put his drink down on the table.
- But Boston stands alone in saying officially and unequivocally that no such condition exists here.
- Clasper stood alone on the box, clasping a hand microphone to his ranting mouth.
- Frequently the theatre-in-education group is associated with a historical site, although their workshops can stand alone and take place in school.
- He stood alone for a minute, until she was out of sight.
- It is often said of him that he stood alone.
- They stand alone - and fall alone.
- As soon as you saw that you were about to be struck, you stood at attention and waited for the blows.
- As they approached, Schellenberg pulled Devlin to one side and stood at attention.
- He stood at attention before me and the rest of my men.
- It stands to attention, striking the air with a knowing finger.
- The guide should have made us all stand to attention and salute.
- When a teacher entered or left a room, we stood at attention until given permission to do otherwise.
- You stand at attention until assigned.
- Gelb was clearly in awe of his friend's strength and perseverance.
- Business people stand in awe of power people who make things happen.
- Excommunication also remained out of the question because much of the Church membership stood in awe of these exploits.
- Glasser still stands in awe of this formidable, feckless man.
- In the time of hunting and gathering, humans stood in awe of beasts.
- Most people stand in awe of these agglomerations of power, admit their inability to fight them, and submit.
- The rest of us might also stand in awe of his season.
- They stood in awe of her and they did just what she bade them.
- We found her sitting bolt upright in bed with all the lights on.
- He sat bolt upright and kept his eyes on the table in front of him.
- Hotspur sat bolt upright in the saddle, his eyes narrowed on the hurtling horsemen, and never moved a hand.
- I walked across her line of vision and she sat bolt upright in annoyance.
- She sat bolt upright in the back seat during the hour long journey, some of which was on a motorway.
- She sat bolt upright, aches and pains quite forgotten.
- She sat bolt upright; her features were strong, her manna forthright, even aggressive.
- Suddenly I sit bolt upright, feeling a familiar stab of panic that can mean only one thing: the videos!
- Suddenly, Urquhart stood bolt upright, not twenty yards in front of the deer which froze in confusion.
- "It's a moose, not an elephant, Dad!" "Well, I stand corrected."
- Oh, well, I stand corrected, ladies.
- And they looked happy and at ease as they moved inside to the enormous champagne reception Mel had arranged.
- Ashkenazy at ease in land of his birth.
- Blanche enjoyed social drinking with her officers but Dexter sometimes noticed she was ill at ease.
- But Cose put my mind at ease in his introduction.
- Fred Bradley stayed very much in the background and his soft, kind eyes helped to put her at ease.
- He was equally at ease on the telephone.
- I was never perfectly at ease.
- Our workmen do work hard, but we live at ease.
- Although momentarily tempted by the seductively rich chocolate dessert Sabrina's willpower held firm and she gave it to Graham.
- Another went to a selectman for standing firm.
- But de Gaulle held firm because he knew that time was working in his favour.
- C., held firm, since the federal government kept hiring more and more bureaucrats.
- He stands firm on his convictions.
- Last week the closely held firm announced it had sold $ 17. 25 million worth of limited partnership interests.
- Mr Scargill urged the miners to prepare for battle: they must stand firm over their wage claim.
- They need to describe initially what issues they want to stand firm on and what issues they can give way to.
- But the Young King was incapable of taking a firm line.
- Dauntless decided to take a firm stand in the matter.
- Handing his keys to the parking valet, he decided that he would take a firm stand.
- Stopping short of direction intervention, Carter had taken a firm line.
- The decision to take a firm stand comes after local councillors revealed the misery suffered by many of their constituents.
- As his father approached, Richard retreated steadily, never once daring to stand his ground against him.
- I calculate, I stand my ground.
- Not enough to start a war; just enough to let me stand my ground without having to think about it first.
- Richmann stood his ground, certain he would be able to jump out of the. way if things went wrong.
- The guide, however, stood his ground, frantically giving me unrecognizable signs.
- The Housing Executive stood its ground and refused to transfer money earmarked for other projects.
- Williams' job was to hold his ground or drop into pass coverage.
- You know when to stand your ground and when to give in.
- The thought of a lawsuit was enough to make his hair stand on end.
- He was so close to her, his arms brushing lightly against hers, making her hairs stand on end.
- I've been hearing rumours about his methods of taming his crew ... things to make your hair stand on end.
- Some of the stories people had told me in that room would make your hair stand on end.
- Yet here he was expecting to play a part that would make her hair stand on end.
- But the surgery has given him confidence to stand head and shoulders above the rest.
- Jackson stood head and shoulders above his confreres, and..
- The fourth, who stood head and shoulders above them, was older.
- Though short, he stands head and shoulders above most.
- "You stand logic on its head when you use arms control as an argument for a larger defense budget," Aspin said.
- Another basic political problem here is that the Dole message turns history on its head.
- In fact, it would turn Beveridge on its head and use the national insurance system as a tax system.
- It turns time on its head.
- Many of these taboos derive from patriarchal societies taking the power of women and turning it on its head.
- Rather than ignore Philips's cherished necessity principle, the Government turned it on its head.
- Resist that temptation by turning it on its head.
- That, of course, is to stand reality on its head, since the industrialised nations are manifestly the real environmental villains.
- The next step was to turn reality on its head.
- If you didn't sign a contract, you won't have a leg to stand on.
- Could you move to the left a little? You're standing in my light.
- Edouard examined the jewellery carefully, standing in the north light of the atelier's large window.
- He stood in the light from the nearest pillar.
- I stand in a light mist of rain.
- Now that they stood in the light, Jehan could see that both of them were blackened by grime and oil.
- The team can't stand pat - we needed to change our starting line-up.
- Get Gretzky or stand pat, either Smith disrupted the team or failed to help it.
- They have not stood pat while other teams attempted to capitalize on their setbacks.
- You can't come to the restaurant dressed in jeans. You'd stick out like a sore thumb.
- For these reasons feminist values stand out like a sore thumb.
- Having a whole batch together should make an odd one stick out like a sore thumb.
- Having said that, in some of the bits of Shoreditch I passed through I stuck out like a sore thumb.
- I mean, it sticks out like a sore thumb.
- There's no cover, and - as happened to me - any stranger sticks out like a sore thumb.
- We stand out like sore thumbs.
- You stick out like a sore thumb in that ghastly uniform, Charles.
- As a small boy, I devised my own set of cartoon animals, and they now stood me in good stead.
- But her beloved circus may have served her in better stead than regular outings to, say, the ballet.
- Despite his lack of political experience, Clouthier's 20-year leadership of business organisations stood him in good stead.
- Insomnia would stand him in good stead in this expanse of knee-high cover.
- Now we had moved on to bigger and better things, this predictability still stood us in good stead.
- These shoes had stood him in good stead.
- This habit of work, which is by now natural to me, has stood me in good stead.
- Those contacts, he says, still serve him in good stead today.
- Nobody would stand surety, so bail wasn't granted again.
- She was prepared to stand surety for me, but they just wasn't having it.
- These are most visible when ducal retainers stood surety for each other.
WORD FAMILYadjectivestandingoutstandingupstandingnounstandstandingverbstandadverboutstandingly
1be on feet (also be standing up) [intransitive] to support yourself on your feet or be in an upright position: It looks like we’ll have to stand – there are no seats left. She stood in the doorway. Stand still (=do not move) and listen to me. Don’t just stand there (=stand and not do anything) – help me!stand on tiptoe/stand on your toes (=support yourself on your toes) If he stood on tiptoe, he could reach the shelf.stand (somewhere) doing something They just stood there laughing. We stood watching the rain fall.2rise (also stand up) [intransitive] to rise to an upright position: Smiling, she stood and closed the blinds.3step [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] a)to step a short distancestand back/aside She stood back to let him in.stand clear of something British English (=step away from something in order to be safe) Stand clear of the doors, please. b)British English to accidentally step on or in somethingstand on/in Don’t stand in that puddle!4in a particular position [intransitive, transitive usually + adverb/preposition] to be upright in a particular position, or to put something or someone somewhere in an upright position: A lamp stood on the table. Near the railway station stood a hotel. Some remains of the original house still stand.stand something on/in etc something Can you stand that pole in the corner for now? I closed the lid and stood the case against the wall.stand somebody (up) on something Stand Molly up on a chair so she can see.5in a state/condition [linking verb] to be or stay in a particular state or condition: The kitchen door stood open so she went in.stand empty/idle (=not being used) scores of derelict houses standing empty I’m not too thrilled with the way things stand (=the state that the situation is in) at the moment. The evidence, as it stands (=as it is now), cannot be conclusive.where/how do things stand? (=used to ask what is happening in a situation) Where do things stand in terms of the budget? I will know within the next month or two how I stand (=what my situation is).stand united/divided (=agree or disagree completely) He urged the whole community to stand united and to reject terrorism.stand prepared/ready to do something (=be prepared to do something whenever it is necessary) We should stand ready to do what is necessary to guarantee the peace. countries that have stood together (=stayed united) in times of crisisstand in awe of somebody (=admire them, be afraid of them, or both)6not like can’t stand spoken used to say that you do not like someone or something at all, or that you think that something is extremely unpleasant SYN can’t bear: I can’t stand bad manners. I know he can’t stand the sight of me.can’t stand (somebody/something) doing something Lily can’t stand working in an office. I can’t stand people smoking around me when I’m eating.can’t stand to do something She can’t stand to hear them arguing.7accept a situation [transitive usually in questions and negatives] to be able to accept or deal well with a difficult situation SYN toleratecan/could stand something I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving Danielle. I’ve had about as much as I can stand of your arguing! I don’t know if I can stand the waiting any longer.can stand somebody doing something How can you stand Marty coming home late all the time? She’s a strong woman who stands no nonsense from anyone.8be good enough [transitive] to be good or strong enough to last a long time or to experience a particular situation without being harmed, damaged etc: Linen can stand very high temperatures. His poetry will stand the test of time (=stay popular).9stand to do something to be likely to do or have somethingstand to gain/lose/win/make What do firms think they stand to gain by merging? After the oil spill, thousands of fishermen stand to lose their livelihoods.10not move [intransitive] to stay in a particular place without moving: The car’s been standing in the garage for weeks. The mixture was left to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. The train was already standing at the platform.11height [linking verb] formal to be a particular height: The trophy stands five feet high. John stood six feet tall.12level/amount [linking verb] to be at a particular level or amountstand at His former workforce of 1,300 now stands at 220. Illiteracy rates are still thought to stand above 50 percent.13rank/position [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to have a particular rank or position when compared with similar things or people SYN rank: The president stands high in the public opinion polls. How do their sales stand in relation to those of similar firms? His book could stand alongside the best.14election [intransitive] British English to try to become elected to a council, parliament etc SYN run American Englishstand for She announced her intention to stand for parliament.15decision/offer [intransitive not in progressive] if a decision, offer etc stands, it continues to exist, be correct, or be valid: Despite protests, the official decision stood. My offer of help still stands.16if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen used to tell someone that they should leave a job or situation if they cannot deal with its difficulties17somebody/something could stand something used to say very directly that it would be a good idea for someone to do something or for something to happen: His smile exposed teeth that could stand a good scrubbing.somebody could stand to do something My doctor told me I could stand to lose a few pounds.18I stand corrected spoken formal used to admit that your opinion or something that you just said was wrong19where somebody stands someone’s opinion about somethingstand on We still do not know where he stands on the matter. You must decide where you stand.20from where I stand spoken according to what I know or feel: I knew from where I stood that the stocks were practically worthless.21know where you stand (with somebody) to know how someone feels about you, or what you are allowed to do in a particular situation: At least we know where we stand with Steven now. I’d like to know where I stand. It helps to know where you stand legally.22 stand to attention British English, stand at attention American English if soldiers stand to attention, they stand very straight and stiff to show respect23stand on your head/hands to support yourself on your head or hands, with your feet in the air24stand in line American English to wait in a line of people until it is your turn to do something SYN queue British English: Customers stood in line for 20 minutes at the cash register.25stand firm/stand fast a)to refuse to be forced to move backwards: She stood firm, blocking the entrance. b)to refuse to change your opinions, intentions, or behaviour: The government continued to stand firm and no concessions were made.stand on/against He stands firm on his convictions.26stand pat American English to refuse to change a decision, plan etcstand on Harry’s standing pat on his decision to fire Janice.27stand alone a)to continue to do something alone, without help from anyone else: Some of the Pacific islands are too small to stand alone as independent states. b)to be much better than anything or anyone else: For sheer entertainment value, Kelly stood alone.28stand still to not change or progress at all, even though time has passed: No industry can stand still. Time seems to have stood still in this lovely hotel.29stand a chance/hope (of doing something) to be likely to be able to do something or to succeed: You’ll stand a better chance of getting a job with a degree. Maybe their relationship had never really stood a chance.30stand in somebody’s way (also stand in the way) to prevent someone from doing something: I always encouraged Brian. I didn’t want to stand in his way. You can’t stand in the way of progress!31stand on your own (two) feet to be able to do what you need to do, earn your own money, etc without help from others: She’s never learned to stand on her own feet.32it stands to reason (that) used to say that something should be completely clear to anyone who is sensible: It stands to reason that you cannot find the right person to do a job unless you know exactly what that job is.33stand or fall by/on something to depend on something for success: The case against him will stand or fall on its own merits.34liquid [intransitive] a liquid that stands does not flow or is not made to move: standing pools of marsh water35stand guard (over somebody/something) to watch someone or something so that they do not do anything wrong or so that nothing bad happens to them: Soldiers stand guard on street corners. You must stand guard over him at all times.36stand bail British English to promise to pay money if someone does not return to a court of law to be judged37stand trial to be brought to a court of law to have your case examined and judgedstand for/on Gresham will stand trial for murder. The accused was ordered to stand trial on a number of charges.38stand accused (of something) a)to be the person in a court of law who is being judged for a crime: The former president stands accused of lying to the nation’s parliament. b)if you stand accused of doing something bad or wrong, other people say that you have done it: The radio station stands accused of racism.39stand tall a)to stand with your back straight and your head raised: Stand tall with your feet comfortably apart. b)American English to be proud and feel ready to deal with anything: We will stand tall and fight for issues of concern to our community.40somebody can do something standing on their head informal used to say that someone is able to do something easily: This is basic stuff. I can do it standing on my head.41be stood on its head if something is stood on its head, it becomes the opposite of what it was before: One area of the business which has been stood on its head is internal communications.42not stand on ceremony British English to not worry about the formal rules of polite behaviour: Come on, Mal. Don’t stand on ceremony here at home.43stand somebody a drink/meal etc British English to pay for something as a gift to someone: Come on, Jack. I’ll stand you a drink if you like. → make somebody’s hair stand on end at hair(8), → leave somebody/something standing at leave1(15), → not have a leg to stand on at leg1(7), → stand/serve/hold somebody in good stead at stead(2), → stand your ground at ground1(7)THESAURUSstand to be on your feet in an upright position: · There were no seats, so we had to stand.· When we entered, Stephen was standing by his desk.be on your feet to be standing, especially for a long time: · If you have young kids, you’re on your feet all day.· I’d been on my feet since 7 o'clock and I needed to sit down.· The crowd were all on their feet clapping and calling for more.get up to stand after you have been sitting or lying down: · He got up and turned off the TV.· Mum fell in her flat and was unable to get up.stand up to stand after you have been sitting, or to be in a standing position: · I stood up when she came in and shook her hand.· It’s generally better to do this exercise standing up.get to your feet written to stand up, especially slowly or when it is difficult for you: · My attorney got slowly to his feet, breathing heavily.rise formal to stand after you have been sitting, especially at a formal event: · As the bride entered the cathedral, the congregation rose.· Audience members rose to their feet, cheering and clapping.stand against somebody/something phrasal verb to oppose a person, organization, plan, decision etc: She hadn’t the strength to stand against her aunt’s demands. There are only a hundred of them standing against an army of 42,000 troops.stand around phrasal verb to stand somewhere and not do anything: We stood around saying goodbye for a while.stand by phrasal verb1to not do anything to help someone or prevent something from happening: I’m not going to stand by and see her hurt.2stand by something to keep a promise, agreement etc, or to say that something is still true: I stand by what I said earlier. He stood by his convictions.3stand by somebody to stay loyal to someone and support them, especially in a difficult situation: His wife stood by him during his years in prison.4to be ready to do something if necessary: Rescue crews were standing by in case of a breakdown.stand by for Stand by for our Christmas competition.stand by to do something Police stood by to arrest any violent fans.stand down phrasal verb British English1to agree to leave your position or to stop trying to be elected, so that someone else can have a chance SYN step down American Englishstand down as He was obliged to stand down as a parliamentary candidate.2to leave the witness box in a court of law3stand (somebody) down if a soldier stands down or is stood down, he stops working for the daystand for something phrasal verb1if a letter or symbol stands for something, it represents a word or idea, especially as a short form: What does ATM stand for?2to support a particular set of ideas, values, or principles: It’s hard to tell what the party stands for these days.3not stand for something British English to not allow something to continue to happen or someone to do something: She’s been lying about me, and I won’t stand for it.stand in phrasal verb to temporarily do someone else’s job or take their placestand in for Would you mind standing in for me for a while?stand out phrasal verb1to be very easy to see or notice: The outlines of rooftops and chimneys stood out against the pale sky. She always stood out in a crowd. I am sure illnesses stand out in all childhood memories.2to be much better than other similar people or thingsstand out as That day still stands out as the greatest day in my life.stand out from/among/above Three of the cars we tested stood out among the rest.3to rise up from a surface: The veins stood out on his throat and temples.stand out against something phrasal verb British English to be strongly opposed to an idea, plan etc: We must stand out against bigotry.stand over somebody phrasal verb to stand very close behind someone and watch as they work to make sure they do nothing wrong: I can’t concentrate with him standing over me like that.stand to phrasal verb British English to order a soldier to move into a position so that they are ready for action, or to move into this positionstand somebody to The men have been stood to.stand up phrasal verb1to be on your feet, or to rise to your feet: I’ve been standing up all day. Stand up straight and don’t slouch! Jim stood up stiffly.2[always + adverb/preposition] to stay healthy or in good condition in a difficult environment or after a lot of hard usestand up to Most of the plants stood up well to the heat.3to be proved to be true, correct, useful etc when testedstand up to/under The memoirs stand up well to cross-checking with other records. Without a witness, the charges will never stand up in court (=be successfully proved in a court of law).4stand somebody up informal to not meet someone who you have arranged to meet: I was supposed to go to a concert with Kyle on Friday, but he stood me up.5stand up and be counted to make it very clear what you think about something when this is dangerous or might cause trouble for youstand up for somebody/something phrasal verb to support or defend a person or idea when they are being attacked: It’s time we stood up for our rights. Silvia is capable of standing up for herself.stand up to somebody/something phrasal verb to refuse to accept unfair treatment from a person or organization: He’ll respect you more if you stand up to him. Cliff couldn’t stand up to bullying.stand1 verbstand2 noun
standstand2 ●●● S2 W2 noun [countable] EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- an ice cream stand
- an umbrella stand
- They have the largest stand at the conference.
- In May 1994 1.7 hectares in a 20-hectare commercial apple orchard were planted with stands of Golden Delicious.
- Last month we were able to borrow a votive candle stand, which stands in the Lady Chapel area.
- Once, he threw a baseball in the stands that struck a fan in the chest.
- The public defender, who must have been desperate, put her client on the stand.
Longman Language Activatorto be in a standing position
to be on your feet in an upright position: · There were no seats, so we had to stand.stand next to/beside/in etc: · I was standing next to the entrance.· A young girl stood in the doorway, sheltering from the rain.· When we entered, he was standing by his desk.· A hundred policemen stood arm-in-arm in front of the cathedral.stand doing something (=stand while you are doing something): · She stood watching him as he turned to go.stand and do something: · I stood and stared at him in amazement.stand up straight (=with your back and legs straight): · The ceilings were so low that Mark couldn't stand up straight.stand still (=stand without moving): · Stand still while I brush your hair.· He stood still, his feet rooted to the ground in fear.
to stand rather than be sitting, lying down, or kneeling: · It's generally better to do this exercise standing up.· The seats were all taken and we had to stand up all the way from Tokyo to Nagoya.
to be standing, especially for a long time, with the result that you feel tired - use this especially about people who have to stand and walk a lot in their jobs: · You go. I've been on my feet all day, and I need a rest.· She'd been on her feet all morning without once sitting down.
also on your tiptoes standing on your toes, especially when you stretch your body in order to see something or reach something: · She was up on her tiptoes, with her arm about his neck.stand on tiptoe: · She stood on her tiptoes to open the high window.· People were standing on tiptoe to try and see what was happening.
to stand while resting part of your body against a wall, a table etc: lean against/on: · Kay was leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette.· Joe leaned on the gate and watched as they drove away.
to stand after sitting or lying down to stand after you have been sitting, bending, or lying down: · She got up and turned off the TV.· I can't get up. Give me a hand, will you?· I watched how slowly he got up, how stiff he seemed.get up from a chair/seat/sofa etc: · Max got up from his chair and shook her hand.· When Maura came in, he got up from the table and poured the coffee.get up off the floor/ground/grass etc: · One of her friends helped her to get up off the floor.· I got up off the grass and strolled over to where Rob was sitting.get up to do something/get up and do something: · I was left with Maria when the others got up to dance.
to stand after you have been sitting: · "I have to go now," she said, standing up.· Could you all stand up please.· He stood up to shake Mel's hand.· Abruptly she stood up, and got ready to leave.
to stand up, especially slowly or when it is difficult for you: · He got to his feet, and we shook hands.· My attorney got slowly to his feet, breathing heavily.
formal to stand up - use this especially in descriptions of events and formal ceremonies: · The old woman rose stiffly and held out her hand.· The congregation rose as the bride entered the cathedral.rise from your seat/the table/a chair etc: · The chairman had already risen from his seat and was beginning his speech.rise to your feet: · Audience members rose to their feet, cheering and clapping.
to stand up in order to do something, especially at a special event or formal occasion: · The Senate stood to welcome the new President.· Would you all please stand to sing hymn 106?
to stand with your back straight · Stand up straight with your back against the wall.· The pain in his stomach was so severe that he could no longer stand up straight.
also stand at attention if someone such as a soldier or a police officer stands to attention , they stand with their backs straight, their arms straight down by their sides, and their feet close together: · The colonel gave the order for the men to stand to attention.· We stood at attention until we were given permission to leave.
to stand up as straight as you can because you are angry with someone or are determined to make them listen to you: · I drew myself up to my full height and informed him that the President had sent me down here personally.· Trembling inside, I stepped out of the car and pulled myself up to my full height to face my adversary.
to stand up after bending down low: · She bent over the body, and when she straightened up there were tears in her eyes.· If you're lifting something heavy, be careful not to hurt your back when you straighten up.
to put your foot on something also tread on/in British to put your foot down on something while you are standing or walking, especially accidentally: · I think I must have stepped on some glass.· I trod in some mud in the park, and tracked it into the house. · Ow, you trod on my foot, you clumsy brute!
to deliberately put your foot down very hard on something: · There was a big cockroach in the kitchen and Barbara stamped on it.· In a recent incident, youths stamped on a police officer's head as she lay injured.
to accept an unpleasant situation to accept an annoying situation or someone's annoying behaviour, without trying to stop it or change it: · I don't know how you put up with all this noise day after day.· You see what I have to put up with - the kids never stop arguing.· Well, you put up with the danger and bad conditions, because you need to feed your family.
to accept or be forced to accept an unpleasant situation: · Don't bring me your problems, I've already got as much trouble as I can stand.· There are cats in every room. I don't know how she can stand it.can stand doing something: · I don't think I'll be able to stand sharing an office with Dana.stand another hour/minute/moment etc: · Can you stand another minute of this awful music? Shall I turn it off?
to accept pain or an unpleasant situation that makes you angry, sad, or upset: · My leg really hurts -- I'm not sure how much longer I can bear it.· Talking to a counsellor can help divorcees to bear the pain of separation.· The trial was a great scandal but she bore it all with courage and dignity.be hard to bear: · Her loneliness was hard to bear, after her husband died.
to accept an annoying situation or someone's annoying behaviour, without trying to stop it or change it. Tolerate is more formal than put up with: · She seems to be able to tolerate any kind of behaviour from the students.· For years, the workers have had to tolerate low wages and terrible working conditions.· If you can tolerate the side-effects, HRT can help the symptoms enormously.
written to accept or be forced to accept a very unpleasant or difficult situation for a long time: · She endured a barrage of open abuse and racism during her time at college.· The people in this country have endured almost a decade of economic hardship.
informal to accept an unpleasant situation or someone's unpleasant behaviour without becoming upset: · I've tried to be understanding, but quite honestly, this is more than I can take.· Tell me what happened -- I can handle it.· Are you going to argue with me, or are you just going to stand there and take it?
to accept an unpleasant situation as a permanent part of your life that you cannot change: · You have to learn to live with stress.· I found the burden of guilt very difficult to live with.· None of us really like the new system, but we've got to learn to live with it.live with yourself (=accept something bad or wrong that you have done): · You should be careful before you do anything rash. Remember, you'll have to live with yourself afterwards.
to be difficult for you to accept: · Every year the Christmas shopping season seems to start earlier, a fact which many people find hard to stomach.· I found this lecture from Chris of all people hard to stomach.
spoken to accept an unpleasant or difficult situation as happily as you can, because you cannot change it: · Well, I said to myself, I'll just have to grin and bear it.· The message was clear - no matter how insulting passengers became, we couldn't do anything but grin and bear it.
something unpleasant that you can stand a situation or type of behaviour that is bearable is difficult or unpleasant, but you are just able to bear it: · The only things that made her life bearable were the occasional visits from her grandchildren.· His leg hasn't quite healed yet, but pain-killers make it bearable.
a situation that is tolerable is bad but you are able to accept it and deal with it: · It was a tolerable existence, but only just.· The new measures can only hope to keep fraud at tolerable levels.· An active social life may make the boredom of work more tolerable.
when a situation is so bad that you cannot stand it also can't bear especially British to be unable to accept an unpleasant situation: · Europeans never stay there for long. They can't stand the heat.· I can't bear the smell of stale cigarette smoke in her hair.can't stand/bear the thought of something: · She couldn't stand the thought of losing her children.can't stand/bear to do something/can't stand/bear doing something: · I couldn't bear to listen to her screams.
especially spoken to be unable to accept an unpleasant situation without becoming angry or upset, especially when someone's behaviour is not fair or reasonable: · Careful what you say - he can't take criticism.· She just keeps crying and throwing tantrums - I can't handle much more of it.can't take/handle something any more: · I just couldn't take it any more. I left the next day.
to be unable to stand something because thinking about it makes you feel sick or angry: · He really can't stomach the sight of blood.
formal to be completely unable to stand someone or something that is very annoying: · If there's one thing I cannot abide, it's spoilt children.· Mary couldn't abide shopping on Saturdays because the stores were always so crowded.
something that is unbearable , such as a pain or a bad situation, is too bad for you to deal with or live with: · Without him, my life would be unbearable.· The stench from the sink was almost unbearable.· The strain eventually became unbearable, and Adam started seeing a psychiatrist.
too difficult, unpleasant, or annoying to stand: · Living conditions at the camp were intolerable.· Passengers faced intolerable delays and disruption due to the bad weather conditions.· All the media attention during the trial had put the family under intolerable strain.
something that is unacceptable is wrong and cannot be accepted or allowed to continue: · Most women said they thought the ruling was unfair and unacceptable.· The plan was rejected because it involved an "unacceptable risk to public safety'.· We regard the idea of being able to choose the sex of your baby as wholly unacceptable.
to fight against someone powerful or something bad · Residents are fighting the local council over plans for a new road.· The community is struggling to fight against drug dealers and prostitution, in their effort to make the area a safer place to live.
to fight in a very determined way against changes that you think will be unfair or could take people's freedom away: · By resisting the Mafia's attempts to control the region, he was putting his own life in danger.· The unions have resisted attempts to change the pay structure.
when people fight in a very determined way against changes or a government that they think will be unfair or could take people's freedom away: · She became one of the symbols of resistance both at home and abroad.resistance to: · There has been a lot of resistance to tax increases, even those designed to benefit education.meet with resistance (=cause resistance): · Any policy that creates unemployment is likely to meet with strong resistance.
to fight against someone who is doing something that harms you: · Children are often powerless to fight back when they are treated unfairly.· You must fight back if you become a victim of discrimination.· This nation has been oppressed for too long, and it's time we fought back.
to refuse to accept bad or unfair treatment from someone, especially someone who is stronger or more powerful than you are: · Aggressive bosses are less likely to criticize workers who stand up to them.· He is respected as a leader who is willing to stand up to the West.
to fight in order to show that you are against something that you think is bad or unfair, even though you are not likely to succeed in stopping it: · Although parents and local residents put up a fight, they couldn't stop the school being closed.· People are not going to accept being sent back to the war zone without putting up a fight.
to fight for as long as possible against a change that someone powerful is trying to make, because you think it is wrong or unfair: · The workers held out for several months against the closure of the mine, but they were eventually defeated.
to show publicly that you think something is wrong, and take action to stop it: · If you're not prepared to make a stand yourself, you can't expect anyone else to.make a stand against: · Gandhi and his followers made a determined stand against the racist and imperialist policies of the government.
to fight against something such as a law or system that you think is wrong: · Those who opposed the regime were put into prison or even executed.· There will be a rally on September 22 for all those who oppose direct military action.
WORD SETSbail, nounbat, verbbatsman, nounboundary, nounbowl, verbbowler, nounbowling, nouncatch, verbcentury, nouncrease, nouncricketer, noundismiss, verbduck, noungoogly, nouninfield, nouninnings, nounlbw, adverblob, verbloft, verbover, nounpavilion, nounpitch, verbpull, nounrun, nounsingle, nounsix, numberslip, nounspinner, nounstand, nounstump, nounstump, verbtest, nountest match, nounwicket, nounwicket keeper, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY One week, three magazines hit the stands (=became available to buy) with Peace Corps stories. She was accused of not taking a stand on feminism or civil rights. We have to take a stand against racism. Will the next witness please take the stand (=go into the witness box)?COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The professor stands accused of (=has been accused of) stealing his student’s ideas and publishing them. Initially, the President remained aloof from the campaign. He started as a stand-up comedian (=someone who tells jokes to an audience). a stand-up comic A psychiatrist said McKibben was competent to stand trial. The official death toll stands at 53. The old mine now stands completely deserted. He stood on the doorstep, straightening his tie. There was Paolo, standing in the doorway. The building stood empty for several years. Martin stood erect on the platform. They don’t stand a ghost of a chance of winning. Gunmen stood guard at the camp entrance. The whole team stood idle, waiting for the mechanic. I cannot stand idly by and let him take the blame. The four men were standing in a line on the other side of the table. Customers stood in line for 20 minutes at the cash register. a long-standing member of the committee a long-standing feud between the two families the long-standing problem of keeping costs down Creditors and investors stand to lose (=risk losing) vast sums after the company’s collapse. The men stood motionless as Weir held his finger to his lips. The Chancellor’s entrance was greeted with a standing ovation (=everyone stood up). He took a principled stand against the legislation. You can’t stay on the sidelines for ever; it’s time you got involved. Mark used to do stand-up at Roxy’s Bar. There was standing room only (=no seats were left) in the courthouse. We stood still and watched as the deer came closer. She stood on tiptoe to kiss him.
(=for hanging coats or hats on)
One week, three magazines hit the stands (=became available to buy) with Peace Corps stories. She was accused of not taking a stand on feminism or civil rights. We have to take a stand against racism. Will the next witness please take the stand (=go into the witness box)? The professor stands accused of (=has been accused of) stealing his student’s ideas and publishing them. Initially, the President remained aloof from the campaign. (=permanent and existing whether there is a war or not)· The regular army has about 5,000 troops.
(=compete for a position in an election)· Lee stated that he did not intend to stand as a candidate in the presidential elections.
(=it is possible you will do it)· I think you have a good chance of getting the job.
He started as a stand-up comedian (=someone who tells jokes to an audience). (=performances with one person telling jokes alone)· He developed a stand-up comedy act.
a stand-up comic (=leave it)· Everyone was sorry when he stood down from the committee.
(=a permanent one)
A psychiatrist said McKibben was competent to stand trial.· At this point in the service the congregation stands.
· At this point in the service the congregation stand.
· The mountains stand in stark contrast to the area around them.
· She stood on the corner saying goodnight to Michael.
(=to allow someone to treat you badly)· I’m not going to take any more of this crap!
The official death toll stands at 53. The old mine now stands completely deserted. (=table with shelves etc used for showing things to the public)· A lot of companies had impressive display stands in the conference hall.
He stood on the doorstep, straightening his tie. There was Paolo, standing in the doorway. The building stood empty for several years. Martin stood erect on the platform. (=a stand for showing things at an exhibition)· He took up his position at the exhibition stand.
(=one that has existed for a long time)· There is a long-standing friendship between the two countries.
They don’t stand a ghost of a chance of winning.· He said they should celebrate their achievements, not nurse old grudges.
Gunmen stood guard at the camp entrance. The whole team stood idle, waiting for the mechanic. I cannot stand idly by and let him take the blame. (=an invitation to do something at any time you like)· Phillip kindly gave me an open invitation to stay at his villa in Tuscany.
(=an invitation which someone has had for a long time)· He had accepted a long-standing invitation to address the conference.
The four men were standing in a line on the other side of the table. Customers stood in line for 20 minutes at the cash register. a long-standing member of the committee a long-standing feud between the two families the long-standing problem of keeping costs down Creditors and investors stand to lose (=risk losing) vast sums after the company’s collapse. The men stood motionless as Weir held his finger to his lips. The Chancellor’s entrance was greeted with a standing ovation (=everyone stood up). (=try to be elected)· Ms Jackson stood for Parliament as a Labour candidate.
(=how popular a poll shows them to be)· The president's standing in the polls declined sharply.
· The priest rose from his kneeling position by the bed.
He took a principled stand against the legislation.· She stood in the queue at the checkout.
(=is not beaten)· His record stood for 42 years.
(=a very angry row)· That night there was a stand-up row among the four kidnappers.
(=be found to have faults when examined)· Such arguments do not stand up to careful scrutiny.
You can’t stay on the sidelines for ever; it’s time you got involved. Mark used to do stand-up at Roxy’s Bar. There was standing room only (=no seats were left) in the courthouse.· His statue now stands in the courtyard.
We stood still and watched as the deer came closer. (=there are drops of sweat on someone's forehead)· Sweat stood out on Ian's forehead.
(=at present)· As things stand at the moment, I have no intention of becoming a candidate myself.
She stood on tiptoe to kiss him. (=a long tradition)· In time-honoured tradition, they have a drink in every pub along the high street.
(=be judged in a court of law)· Doctors said he was unfit to stand trial.
· The ceiling was so low I was unable to stand upright.
(=sit or stand with your back very straight)· Murphy and I both sat bolt upright when we heard the alarm.
(=where the witness sits when speaking in court)· He spent three hours in the witness stand.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Handing his keys to the parking valet, he decided that he would take a firm stand.· The decision to take a firm stand comes after local councillors revealed the misery suffered by many of their constituents.· Dauntless decided to take a firm stand in the matter.
· Yet, even in opposition circles, intellectuals have refused to take a principled stand.· If Pyongyang refuses, the allies will at least have taken a principled stand.· For this principled stand, the village fined him $ 1, 500.
· Ijaw leaders have taken strong public stands against such violence.· Perhaps if people had spoken up, taken a strong stand, history would tell a different story.· In such a small country it is up to the Government to take a strong stand against unsuitable developments.· Rather than lose the game, Methodists compromised, beginning as early as six months after their first strong stand in 1784.· I know how you feel, Daddy, but maybe it is better not to take too strong a stand.
NOUN· Looking for a concession stand, he turned a corner.· One struck and killed a young man standing near a concession stand.· He was bothering the girl at the concession stand before, so she had the usher call us.
· A large figure was there going from one music stand to another with a pencil.· We sat round the piano with the candles in front of our music stands and played one of the trios we know best.· Millie is setting up two music stands and lugging her cello case in from the hall.
· Border shared in a fourth wicket stand of 147 in 35 overs with Damien Martyn, who continued his impressive run.· The pair shared a second wicket stand of 215 in 51 overs.· Holding, though, stood firm, his share of an unbeaten last wicket stand being 12.
VERB· To peel, cover with boiling water, let stand 2 to 3 minutes, then drain and slip off outer skin.· Slowly drizzle egg substitute into soup, cover, remove from heat and let stand 1 minute.· Pour boiling water over and stir. Let mixture stand 15 minutes.· Stir 218 in raisins and harissa, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes.· Beat at high speed 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.· Spread or pipe icing on favorite sugar cookies. Let stand until set.· Remove from heat and let stand until dried fruits have plumped and softened, about 10 more minutes.· Cover and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
· There comes a time in every close game when a team has to rise up and make a stand.· With his aid we made a stand.· The area where they had chosen to make their first stand was an historic one.· But the other Supreme Court judges are making a stand against the government.· Last year it decided that it would make a stand and support Ellen DeGeneres and her coming out.
· On this I take my stand.· It was for that reason that I took the stand I did, and put forward the views that I did.· Flammer, 24, took the stand to authenticate his pictures Tuesday.· Perhaps if people had spoken up, taken a strong stand, history would tell a different story.· He and the white minister, Fred Rea, took their stand side by side.· Symphony managements, especially, have to be prepared to take a stand.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► the standPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not stand/have a cat in hell’s chance (of doing something)► stand on your dignity► stand easy► leave somebody/something standing► stick out/stand out a mile► be able to stand the pace► be sick of/can’t stand/hate the sight of somebody/something
- There were over 40,000 people in the stands.
- A couple more people in the stands?
- And of course, your mom and dad were in the stands to see it.
- And what a sight for his dad Pat, watching in the stands.
- Fan power Manchester United and Everton both had trouble from fans who were not satisfied with supporting from the stands.
- Most were on the field, but several were hoisted into the stands by forklifts.
- The crowd is small and quiet, only seven hundred people in the stands.
- Those in the stands were told to stay seated.
- Torrents of water sluiced through the stands, drowning pitch, players and spectators.
- For talent, popularity, and style, Muhammad Ali stands alone.
- I stood alone on the shore of the lake.
- The house stood alone at the end of the road.
- The vote on the ban was 14-1, with Britain standing alone.
- Again, standing alone this evidence is not probative of any discrimination in the local construction industry...
- Bedford stood alone and put his drink down on the table.
- But Boston stands alone in saying officially and unequivocally that no such condition exists here.
- Clasper stood alone on the box, clasping a hand microphone to his ranting mouth.
- Frequently the theatre-in-education group is associated with a historical site, although their workshops can stand alone and take place in school.
- He stood alone for a minute, until she was out of sight.
- It is often said of him that he stood alone.
- They stand alone - and fall alone.
- As soon as you saw that you were about to be struck, you stood at attention and waited for the blows.
- As they approached, Schellenberg pulled Devlin to one side and stood at attention.
- He stood at attention before me and the rest of my men.
- It stands to attention, striking the air with a knowing finger.
- The guide should have made us all stand to attention and salute.
- When a teacher entered or left a room, we stood at attention until given permission to do otherwise.
- You stand at attention until assigned.
- Gelb was clearly in awe of his friend's strength and perseverance.
- Business people stand in awe of power people who make things happen.
- Excommunication also remained out of the question because much of the Church membership stood in awe of these exploits.
- Glasser still stands in awe of this formidable, feckless man.
- In the time of hunting and gathering, humans stood in awe of beasts.
- Most people stand in awe of these agglomerations of power, admit their inability to fight them, and submit.
- The rest of us might also stand in awe of his season.
- They stood in awe of her and they did just what she bade them.
- We found her sitting bolt upright in bed with all the lights on.
- He sat bolt upright and kept his eyes on the table in front of him.
- Hotspur sat bolt upright in the saddle, his eyes narrowed on the hurtling horsemen, and never moved a hand.
- I walked across her line of vision and she sat bolt upright in annoyance.
- She sat bolt upright in the back seat during the hour long journey, some of which was on a motorway.
- She sat bolt upright, aches and pains quite forgotten.
- She sat bolt upright; her features were strong, her manna forthright, even aggressive.
- Suddenly I sit bolt upright, feeling a familiar stab of panic that can mean only one thing: the videos!
- Suddenly, Urquhart stood bolt upright, not twenty yards in front of the deer which froze in confusion.
- "It's a moose, not an elephant, Dad!" "Well, I stand corrected."
- Oh, well, I stand corrected, ladies.
- And they looked happy and at ease as they moved inside to the enormous champagne reception Mel had arranged.
- Ashkenazy at ease in land of his birth.
- Blanche enjoyed social drinking with her officers but Dexter sometimes noticed she was ill at ease.
- But Cose put my mind at ease in his introduction.
- Fred Bradley stayed very much in the background and his soft, kind eyes helped to put her at ease.
- He was equally at ease on the telephone.
- I was never perfectly at ease.
- Our workmen do work hard, but we live at ease.
- Although momentarily tempted by the seductively rich chocolate dessert Sabrina's willpower held firm and she gave it to Graham.
- Another went to a selectman for standing firm.
- But de Gaulle held firm because he knew that time was working in his favour.
- C., held firm, since the federal government kept hiring more and more bureaucrats.
- He stands firm on his convictions.
- Last week the closely held firm announced it had sold $ 17. 25 million worth of limited partnership interests.
- Mr Scargill urged the miners to prepare for battle: they must stand firm over their wage claim.
- They need to describe initially what issues they want to stand firm on and what issues they can give way to.
- But the Young King was incapable of taking a firm line.
- Dauntless decided to take a firm stand in the matter.
- Handing his keys to the parking valet, he decided that he would take a firm stand.
- Stopping short of direction intervention, Carter had taken a firm line.
- The decision to take a firm stand comes after local councillors revealed the misery suffered by many of their constituents.
- As his father approached, Richard retreated steadily, never once daring to stand his ground against him.
- I calculate, I stand my ground.
- Not enough to start a war; just enough to let me stand my ground without having to think about it first.
- Richmann stood his ground, certain he would be able to jump out of the. way if things went wrong.
- The guide, however, stood his ground, frantically giving me unrecognizable signs.
- The Housing Executive stood its ground and refused to transfer money earmarked for other projects.
- Williams' job was to hold his ground or drop into pass coverage.
- You know when to stand your ground and when to give in.
- The thought of a lawsuit was enough to make his hair stand on end.
- He was so close to her, his arms brushing lightly against hers, making her hairs stand on end.
- I've been hearing rumours about his methods of taming his crew ... things to make your hair stand on end.
- Some of the stories people had told me in that room would make your hair stand on end.
- Yet here he was expecting to play a part that would make her hair stand on end.
- But the surgery has given him confidence to stand head and shoulders above the rest.
- Jackson stood head and shoulders above his confreres, and..
- The fourth, who stood head and shoulders above them, was older.
- Though short, he stands head and shoulders above most.
- "You stand logic on its head when you use arms control as an argument for a larger defense budget," Aspin said.
- Another basic political problem here is that the Dole message turns history on its head.
- In fact, it would turn Beveridge on its head and use the national insurance system as a tax system.
- It turns time on its head.
- Many of these taboos derive from patriarchal societies taking the power of women and turning it on its head.
- Rather than ignore Philips's cherished necessity principle, the Government turned it on its head.
- Resist that temptation by turning it on its head.
- That, of course, is to stand reality on its head, since the industrialised nations are manifestly the real environmental villains.
- The next step was to turn reality on its head.
- If you didn't sign a contract, you won't have a leg to stand on.
- Could you move to the left a little? You're standing in my light.
- Edouard examined the jewellery carefully, standing in the north light of the atelier's large window.
- He stood in the light from the nearest pillar.
- I stand in a light mist of rain.
- Now that they stood in the light, Jehan could see that both of them were blackened by grime and oil.
- The team can't stand pat - we needed to change our starting line-up.
- Get Gretzky or stand pat, either Smith disrupted the team or failed to help it.
- They have not stood pat while other teams attempted to capitalize on their setbacks.
- You can't come to the restaurant dressed in jeans. You'd stick out like a sore thumb.
- For these reasons feminist values stand out like a sore thumb.
- Having a whole batch together should make an odd one stick out like a sore thumb.
- Having said that, in some of the bits of Shoreditch I passed through I stuck out like a sore thumb.
- I mean, it sticks out like a sore thumb.
- There's no cover, and - as happened to me - any stranger sticks out like a sore thumb.
- We stand out like sore thumbs.
- You stick out like a sore thumb in that ghastly uniform, Charles.
- As a small boy, I devised my own set of cartoon animals, and they now stood me in good stead.
- But her beloved circus may have served her in better stead than regular outings to, say, the ballet.
- Despite his lack of political experience, Clouthier's 20-year leadership of business organisations stood him in good stead.
- Insomnia would stand him in good stead in this expanse of knee-high cover.
- Now we had moved on to bigger and better things, this predictability still stood us in good stead.
- These shoes had stood him in good stead.
- This habit of work, which is by now natural to me, has stood me in good stead.
- Those contacts, he says, still serve him in good stead today.
- Nobody would stand surety, so bail wasn't granted again.
- She was prepared to stand surety for me, but they just wasn't having it.
- These are most visible when ducal retainers stood surety for each other.
WORD FAMILYadjectivestandingoutstandingupstandingnounstandstandingverbstandadverboutstandingly
1for support a piece of furniture or equipment used to hold or support something: a music stand a cake stand He adjusted the microphone stand.coat stand/hat stand (=for hanging coats or hats on)2for selling a table or small structure used for selling or showing things SYN stall British English: a hotdog stand an exhibition stand The shop was crowded with display stands and boxes. One week, three magazines hit the stands (=became available to buy) with Peace Corps stories. → newsstand3opinion/attitude [usually singular] a position or opinion that you state firmly and publiclystand on the Republicans’ conservative stand on social and environmental issues She was accused of not taking a stand on feminism or civil rights.4oppose/defend a strong effort to defend yourself or to oppose somethingtake/make/mount a stand (against something) We have to take a stand against racism.5the stands [plural] (also the stand British English) a building where people stand or sit to watch the game at a sports ground: In the stands, fifty of Jill’s friends and family have come to watch her last game.6the stand a witness box: Will the next witness please take the stand (=go into the witness box)?7cricket the period of time in which two batsmen are playing together in a game of cricket, or the points that they get during this time8taxis/buses a place where taxis or buses stop and wait for passengers: There’s a taxi stand on Glen Road.9trees a group of trees of one type growing close togetherstand of a stand of eucalyptus trees