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stand down

B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To stop being in a fight or alert state, or to leave an important job or role.

Literal meaning: To step down from an elevated position — the military use keeps this metaphor alive.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic formal

(Military) To order troops or forces to leave a state of readiness or alert.

"After the ceasefire was announced, the general ordered his troops to stand down."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic formal

To resign from or give up a position of power or authority.

"Under increasing pressure from his own party, the prime minister agreed to stand down."

Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 formal

(Legal, British English) To leave the witness stand after giving testimony in court.

"The judge thanked the witness and told her she could stand down."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Strong military and legal associations. In British English, also used for a politician withdrawing from an election. In a courtroom, a witness is told to 'stand down' after giving testimony.

Commonly used with

troops forces witness leader alert position

Forms

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

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Synonyms

withdraw stand aside step down resign retreat deescalate

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