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stand on

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To use something as your reason or basis for what you do, or to demand something firmly.

Literal meaning: To physically place your weight on top of something.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To physically place yourself on top of a surface.

"Don't stand on the chair — use the ladder instead."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic formal

To be founded upon or justified by a particular argument, right, or principle.

"The entire case stands on one key piece of evidence."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To insist on formal rules or etiquette — used in the fixed phrase 'stand on ceremony'.

"Please don't stand on ceremony — just help yourself to food and make yourself at home."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

'Stand on ceremony' is a fixed phrase meaning to insist on formal rules or etiquette. 'Stand on one's own feet/legs' means to be independent. These are more idiomatic than the basic uses.

Commonly used with

principle ceremony merit record rights feet

Forms

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

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Synonyms

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