stand back
The phrase 'stand back' is versatile and can be used in both physical and abstract contexts to denote creating distance or adopting an objective viewpoint.
Definition
B1General
(common)To move a short distance away from something or someone, often for safety or to create space.
Example
- Please stand back from the edge of the platform.
- The police asked the crowd to stand back.
B2Decision Making
(common)To refrain from getting involved in a situation or activity, often to allow others to act.
Example
- She decided to stand back and let her team handle the project.
- Sometimes it's best to stand back and let things unfold.
B2Analysis
(common)To adopt a detached or objective perspective on a situation.
Example
- You need to stand back and evaluate the problem from a different angle.
- Standing back can help you see the bigger picture.
C1Cricket
(technical, sports)For a wicket-keeper, to position oneself far behind the stumps to catch balls from a fast bowler.
Example
- The wicket-keeper stood back to catch the fast bowler's deliveries.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "stand back":
step backstay backkeep backstand asideback awayback offstep asidesit backstand behindstepping backstand bystand offmove backstand downstay behindtake a back seatdraw backstand stillrear backback outhold backfall backback downstand inpull backstand onback uppush backlay backstep offwatch one's backrun backstand withset backkick backwalk backlie backkeep awayturn backget behindstand upmove awaydraw awayturn awaystay outpull awayturn one's backout of the waylook backhang behindstand forstand patstep forwardfight backwalk away fromwalk awayon the back footget backhide behindat a standhit backhands offstand fasthold offtake abackstep downall standingstep outwatch outpush away