S
Idioms beginning with "S"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of S:
[stand in with] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To be liked by or friendly with. — Usually used with "well".
John stands in well with the teacher.
[stand off] {v.}
1. To stay at a distance; stay apart.
At parties, Mr. Jones goes around talking to everyone, but Mrs. Jones is shy and stands off.
2. To keep (someone or something) from coming near or winning.
* /The soldiers defending the fort […]
[stand on ceremony] {v. phr.}
To follow strict rules of politeness; be very formal with other people. — Usually used with a helping verb in the negative.
Grandmother does not stand on ceremony when her grandchildren call.
[stand on one's own feet] or [stand on one's own two feet] {v. phr.}
To depend on yourself; do things yourself; earn your own living; be independent.
After his father died, John had to stand on his own feet and earn his own living.
* /You should […]
[stand one in good stead] {v. phr.}
To be helpful or useful to.
A boy scout knife will stand you in good stead when you do not have other tools.
Julia knew how to typewrite, and that stood her in good stead when she looked for a job.
[stand one's ground] also [hold one's ground] {v. phr.}
1. To stay and fight instead of running away.
The enemy attacked in great numbers but our men stood their ground.
Compare: [GAIN GROUND].
Contrast: [GIVE GROUND], [LOSE GROUND].
2. To […]
[stand out] {v.}
1. To go farther out than a nearby surface; protect.
A mole stood out on her cheek.
Compare: [STICK OUT] (1b).
2. To be more noticeable in some way than those around you; be higher, bigger, or better.
* /Fred was very tall and […]
[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).