stand on the shoulders of giants
To make discoveries, insights, or progress due to the discoveries or previous work of great minds that have come before. Though this is indeed an exciting discovery toward curing cancer, we have stood on the shoulders of giants to reach this point today.
stand behind (someone or something)
1. Literally, to stand or position oneself to the rear of someone or something. Okay, Jake, you stand behind Samantha here in line. I think that's my blind date standing awkwardly behind the statue across the square.
2. To guarantee, ensure, or show one's steadfast support of someone or something, or for someone's or something's worth, ability, performance, etc. I'm very grateful to my husband, who always stood behind me during the inquest. If your own employees won't stand behind your new software, how can you expect uptake by the public?
stand fast
To remain determined, stalwart, and unyielding, as in one's position or opinion. Though it may be hard, we must stand fast in our pledge to environmental reform.
stand firm
To remain determined, stalwart, and unyielding, as in one's position or opinion. Though it may be hard, we must stand firm in our pledge to environmental reform.
stand from under
dated, naval To be wary of and, if necessary, flee from something that is falling or threatening to fall from above. That captain shouted at all the hands on deck to stand from under, as the wind stripped the guy-wires from off the masts.
stand in (one's) own light
To harm, hinder, or tarnish one's own reputation, opportunities, or advantages, as through foolish or reproachable actions; to be a hindrance or encumbrance to one's own success or ambitions. My little brother has had all the opportunities in the world growing up, but he's always been the one standing in his own light, what with all the legal trouble he gets himself into.
stand in (someone's) shoes
To see or understand things from someone else's position or perspective; to empathize with someone. I used to resent my dad for the placid way he was with our domineering mother, but once I grew up a bit and stood in his shoes for a while, I came to have a greater appreciation for what he must have been going through. If you encounter a bully, try standing in their shoes—they're probably deeply unhappy and redirect that feeling onto others.
stand in the gap
To assume a position of active, resolute defense (for or against something). From Ezekiel 22:30: "And I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none." We are all called to stand in the gap to defend what we know in our hearts to be morally correct and essential.
stand still for (something)
To accept, tolerate, endure, or put up with something. (Often used in the negative to indicate the opposite.) Do you really think the boss will stand still for this outrageous plan of yours? The people of this country will not stand still for the persecution administered by the despots and corrupt politicians in government.
stand by (one's) guns
To remain determined, resolute, or steadfast in one's opinion, belief, or perspective; to refuse to be persuaded by someone else into believing or doing something one does not agree with. (A less common variant of "stick to one's guns." Both phrases allude to a soldier remaining and firing his or her gun(s) at an enemy, even when the situation might be dangerous or hopeless.) The prosecution is going to try and trip you up with your statement and your alibi, but so long as you stand by your guns, there's nothing to worry about. I really admire Jess for standing by her guns during college and not submitting to the peer pressure of those around her to drink or do drugs.
stand stock still
To not move at all. You kids need to stand stock still out here until the firemen are done investigating the building, OK? I didn't want my grandmother to catch me rooting through her jewelry box, so when I heard her in the hallway, I leaped into the closet and stood stock still.