stand in for . stand in for {v. phr.} To substitute for someone. The famous brain surgeon was called out of town so his assistant had to stand in for him during the operation. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 To section: S Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry