S
Idioms beginning with "S"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of S:
[stand over] {v.}
1. To watch closely; keep checking all the time.
Ted's mother had to stand over him to get him to do his homework.
2. To be held over for later action; be postponed; wait.
* /The committee decided to let the proposal stand over […]
[stand pat] {v.}, {informal}
To be satisfied with things and be against a change.
Bill had made up his mind on the question and when his friends tried to change his mind, he stood pat.
Compare: [STAND ONE'S GROUND] (2).
[stand the gaff] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To stand rough treatment; do well in spite of great physical or mental hardship.
An athlete must learn to stand the gaff.
No person running for office gets far unless he can stand the gaff.
Compare: […]
[stand to reason] {v. phr.}
To seem very likely from the known facts.
If you have a driver's license, it stands to reason you can drive.
Joe is intelligent and studies hard; it stands to reason that he will pass the examination.
[stand trial] {v. phr.}
To submit to a trial by court.
The case has been postponed and he may not have to stand trial until next April.
[stand up] {v.}
1. To rise to a standing position; get up on your feet.
A gentleman stands up when a lady enters a room.
2. To be strong enough to use hard or for a long time.
A rocket must be built strongly to stand up under the blast-off.
[…]
[stand up and be counted] {v. phr.}
To be willing to say what you think in public; let people know that you are for or against something.
The equal rights movement needs people who are willing to stand up and be counted.
* /If you disagree with […]
[stand up for] or {informal} [stick up for] {v.}
To defend against attack; fight for.
John always stands up for his rights.
When Mary was being criticized, Jane stuck up for her.
Compare:
[BACK UP],
[GO TO BAT FOR],
[STAND BY],
[STAND […]
[stand up to] {v.}
To meet with courage.
Mary stood up to the snarling dog that leaped toward her.
A soldier must stand up to danger.
[stand up with] {v.}, {informal}
To be best man or maid of honor at a wedding.
A groom often chooses his brother to stand up with him.