stand in
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To do someone else's job for a while when they can't be there.
Literal meaning: To physically stand in a particular spot — transparent in the performance context.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To take someone's place temporarily, especially in a performance or professional role.
"When the lead singer fell ill, her understudy had to stand in at the last minute."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
(Film) To take an actor's place on set while lighting and camera positions are being prepared.
"The stand-in was used on set for three hours while the director of photography adjusted the lighting."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Commonly used in performance, broadcasting, and workplace contexts. A 'stand-in' (noun) refers to the person doing this, and is also used in film to refer to the person who takes an actor's place during lighting setups.
Commonly used with
teacher director actor colleague presenter manager
Forms
Base
stand in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stands in
he/she/it
Past simple
stood in
yesterday
Past participle
stood in
have + pp
-ing form
standing in
continuous
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Synonyms
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