1 A2 neutral
To physically position oneself behind someone or something.
"The students stood behind their teacher as she addressed the assembly."
inseparable
stand behind
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To support or endorse a person, decision, or action.
In plain English
To say you agree with someone or something, and to support them.
What does "stand behind" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To fully support or endorse a person, decision, or statement.
"The company stands behind every product it sells and offers a full refund if you are not satisfied."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To be the driving force or hidden supporter of something.
"Many believed that a powerful lobby group stood behind the controversial legislation."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically stand in the space behind someone or something.
Actually means
To say you agree with someone or something, and to support them.
Usage tip
Commonly used to express support for decisions, statements, or people. Both the literal and figurative senses are in active use.
Words that pair with "stand behind"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
decision statement product team choice policy
How to conjugate "stand behind"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stand behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stands behind
he/she/it
Past simple
stood behind
yesterday
Past participle
stood behind
have + pp
-ing form
standing behind
continuous
Hear "stand behind" in the wild
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Other ways to say "stand behind"
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Keep exploring
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