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stand off

B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To stay away from someone, or to be in a situation where neither side can win.

Literal meaning: To stand at a distance from something.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To keep at a distance; to remain away from someone or something.

"The protesters stood off from the building as police formed a barrier."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To resist or hold off an opponent without either side gaining the upper hand, resulting in a stalemate.

"The two armies stood off for days, neither willing to make the first aggressive move."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

(Of a person) to behave in a cold or unfriendly way; to be aloof.

"She stood off from her new colleagues for weeks before she finally started warming up to them."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The noun 'standoff' (written as one word) is more commonly used than the phrasal verb in everyday contexts. Often used in military, law enforcement, and competitive contexts.

Commonly used with

enemy police forces rival threat confrontation

Forms

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

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Synonyms

keep at bay hold off stalemate deadlock keep distance

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