stand by

stand by

to wait and remain ready. (Generally heard in communication, such as broadcasting, telephones, etc.) Your transatlantic telephone call is almost ready. Please stand by. Is everyone ready for the telecast? Only ten seconds—stand by.

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stand by someone or something

to stand next to someone or something. Jeff, please stand by Judy. I want to take your picture. Can I stand by the window and watch the birds?

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stand by someone

to support someone; to continue supporting someone even when things are bad. Don't worry. I'll stand by you no matter what. I feel as though I have to stand by my brother even if he goes to jail.

See also: stand

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stand by

1. to let something happen or to be unable to do anything to stop something from happening It was such a terrible fire that the firefighters had to stand by and let the fire burn itself out.

2. to be ready to be used if necessary During the fireworks display, the fire department trucks stood by, in case something went up in flames.

See also: stand

stand by somebody/something

to support someone or something stick by somebody/something I think people admire the fact that she stands by her husband. At a news conference, he stood by his criticism of the government.

See also: stand