stand on
(redirected from standing them on)stand on
1. To be or remain in an upright position while on top of someone or something. Please don't stand on that table—you might break it! The masseuse actually stood on me to work out the knots in my back with the balls of her feet.
2. To place or position someone or something in an upright position on top of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is be used between "stand" and "on." You can stand the mirror on that box over there. I stood the child on the stage so everyone could hear what he had to say.
3. To be based on, determined by, dependent on something. The success of this project stands on everyone's willingness to give it every ounce of effort they have. His election hopes stand on the dissatisfaction among voters with the current president.
4. To observe or adhere to something very strictly or insistently. Used especially in negative constructions of the phrase "stand on ceremony." We've all been acquainted already, so there's no need to stand on ceremony for this interview. Please don't stand on such formalities for my sake.
stand (up)on someone or something
to be on someone or something, standing. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) To help his back pain, he lay down on his tummy and Jill stood upon him, digging her toes into his back. Please don't stand on the bed.
stand on something
1. to step or tread on something, perhaps by accident. I didn't mean to stand on the cat's tail. Please don't stand on the nice carpet with muddy shoes.
2. to elevate oneself by standing on something, such as a chair or stool. Tony stood on a stool so he could reach the cookie jar. Don't stand on that box. It won't hold you and it's not tall enough.
stand on
1. Be based on, depend on, as in Our success will stand on their support. [c. 1600]
2. Insist on observance of, as in Let's not stand on ceremony. This usage today is nearly always put in a negative context. [Mid-1500s]
stand on
v.
1. To maintain an upright or vertical position on a base or support: The vase of flowers stands on a pedestal.
2. To be based on something; depend on something: The success of the project stands on management's support of it.
3. To insist on the observance of something: They stand on ceremony, so be on your best behavior.
stand on (one's)
own/two feet To be independent and responsible for oneself.