1 C1 idiomatic informal
(Archaic/Nautical) A warning cry to move away from a spot where something heavy is about to fall.
"The sailor shouted 'stand from under!' as the heavy mast came crashing down."
inseparable
stand from under
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
An archaic or nautical warning to move away from a place of danger, especially from something about to fall.
In plain English
Move out of the way — something might fall on you!
What does "stand from under" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move so that you are no longer standing underneath something that is about to fall.
Actually means
Move out of the way — something might fall on you!
Usage tip
This is an old nautical warning cry, historically used when something (e.g., a heavy block or spar) was about to fall from above. It is largely obsolete in modern English and would only be encountered in historical texts or nautical literature. Learners should use 'stand clear' or 'watch out' instead.
Words that pair with "stand from under"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
nautical warning falling danger historical
How to conjugate "stand from under"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stand from under
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stands from under
he/she/it
Past simple
stood from under
yesterday
Past participle
stood from under
have + pp
-ing form
standing from under
continuous
Hear "stand from under" in the wild
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Other ways to say "stand from under"
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