5 Phrasal Verbs with STAND and multiple meanings

✔ Stand aside

➡ Step sideways to make some space for someone else.

◕ Example: Stand aside, please, so the doctor can get through.

➡ Leave a job or position voluntarily so that someone else can have it instead.

◕ Example: It’s time he stood aside and let a more qualified person do the job.

➡ Temporarily recuse oneself from action or decision-making in some domain

◕ Example: The minister will stand aside during the investigation.

✔ Stand back

➡ Maintain a safe distance from a hazard.

◕ Example: You had better stand back and let me operate the chainsaw.

➡ Abstain from participation.

◕ Example: While others debated the proposals, he stood back.

✔ Stand by

➡ Wait in expectation of some event; to make ready.

◕ Example: Please stand by for more instructions.

➡ Remain loyal or faithful.

◕ Example: Even though money is scarce sometimes, Ann stands by her decision to be a full-time mother.

➡ Support; to continue to support despite things being bad.

◕ Example: They stood by us all along and it’s awesome to see them out here to support us today.

➡ Do nothing. To be inactive in a situation.

◕ Example: I can’t simply stand by and watch you ruin your life.

➡ Be ready to provide assistance if required.

◕ Example: The tug stood by in case it was needed.

✔ Stand out

➡ Be obvious or conspicuous, in contrast to one’s surroundings.

◕ Example: Tourist guides often carry umbrellas so that they stand out in a crowd.

➡ Be extraordinary and different or to have features and qualities which make someone or something special.

◕ Example: She stood out from the other candidates and was offered the job.

✔ Stand up

➡ Rise from a lying or sitting position.

◕ Example: Stand up, then sit down again.

➡ Bring something up and set it into a standing position.

◕ Example: Laura stood the sofa up on end.

➡ Avoid a prearranged meeting, especially a date, with (a person) without prior notification; to jilt or shirk.

◕ Example: John stood Laura up at the movie theatre.

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