sit by

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive

In simple words

to watch and not help or act

Literal meaning: to sit near something or someone

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

common

to remain inactive while something important or wrong happens

"I won't sit by and watch them treat her like that."

"The world cannot stand idly by."
— Barack Obama, statement on Syria, 2012

Grammar: inseparable

2 B1 neutral

uncommon

to stay near someone, especially to offer quiet support during illness or trouble

"She sat by his bed for most of the night."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Most often used in criticism, especially in phrases like 'sit by and do nothing.'

do nothing watch helplessly while allow in silence

Base

sit by

I/you/we/they

3rd person

sits by

he/she/it

Past simple

sat by

yesterday

Past participle

sat by

have + pp

-ing form

sitting by

continuous

Try:

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remain passive do nothing look on stay idle not intervene

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