Browse all

stand aside

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To move out of the way, or to stop being involved in something so someone else can take over.

Literal meaning: To physically step to the side.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To move to the side so that someone or something can pass.

"The security guard stood aside and waved us through the gate."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic formal

To voluntarily withdraw from a role, position, or competition, often to allow someone else to take over.

"The party leader agreed to stand aside and let a younger candidate run in the election."

"I have decided to stand aside as leader of the Labour Party."

— Jeremy Corbyn, resignation speech, September 2020
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic formal

To choose not to become involved in a situation, especially when action might be expected.

"We cannot stand aside while innocent people are suffering."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used both literally (move physically sideways) and figuratively (withdraw from a role or decision). The figurative sense of stepping down from power is common in political and professional contexts.

Commonly used with

leader candidate position role way politics

Forms

Base
stand aside
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stands aside
he/she/it
Past simple
stood aside
yesterday
Past participle
stood aside
have + pp
-ing form
standing aside
continuous

Understand "stand aside" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

step aside move aside withdraw step back give way yield

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "stand aside" on Looplines