be ready to help
The emergency team will stand by in case anything goes wrong.
stand by — 3 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb3 meanings
stand bysame phrase
Which one do you mean?
support someone
No matter what happens, I'll always stand by you.
do nothing in crisis
Many people criticised the government for standing by while the crisis unfolded.
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Meanings in detail
1. be ready to help
B1neutralboth
To be prepared to help or take action if needed.
The emergency team will stand by in case anything goes wrong.
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B2neutralboth
To support or remain loyal to someone, especially in difficult times.
No matter what happens, I'll always stand by you.
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Sign in to unlock3. do nothing in crisis
C1neutralboth
To deliberately take no action or fail to intervene, especially when action is expected in a problematic or critical situation.
Many people criticised the government for standing by while the crisis unfolded.
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