stand by
The phrase "stand by" can function as both a phrasal verb and a noun, with meanings related to support, readiness, and reliability.
Definition
B2General
(phrasal verb, informal)To remain loyal or supportive of someone, especially during difficult times.
Example
- She stood by her friend through the tough times.
- He promised to stand by his team no matter what.
B2General
(phrasal verb, informal)To be ready and waiting for further instructions or developments.
Example
- Please stand by for further updates.
- The troops stood by, ready to intervene if necessary.
B2General
(phrasal verb, informal)To do nothing or remain inactive in a situation.
Example
- He stood by while the others argued.
- She couldn't just stand by and watch the injustice.
B2General
(noun, informal)A backup option or something always ready for use.
Example
- The hospital has a standby generator in case of a power outage.
- We always keep some cash as a standby.
B2Air Travel
(noun, informal)A service where passengers wait for an available unreserved seat on a flight.
Example
- Flight attendants can fly standby on their airline.
- We had to wait on standby for the next available flight.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "stand by":
stand instand withstand onstand behindstand forstand backstand asidestand faststand patat a standstand stillstand up withdead standstand offstand upstay behindstand downhang onwait onall standingstand up tohold tohold onstay backstand one's groundsteady onhang tightstandby timestay onhold withhold upstep asidestay uphold inhold tightwait forwait upget behindhang behindback upbear upsit backhold the stagehold outstand sentinelstand on endsit forbe therehold overhold the fortabide bybear outstay inhang uponmusic standhold the phonehang aroundhold offsit overon guard