Meaning trap
stand up to
defend yourself against someone or something
to refuse to accept unfair treatment from a person or group, even if they have more power than you.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to refuse to accept unfair treatment from a person or group, even if they have more power than you.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- She finally stood up to her boss and explained why she deserved a promotion.daily life
- In my opinion, it’s important to stand up to people who try to take advantage of you, even if it feels uncomfortable.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: stand up to + noun/pronoun
WrongHe never stands up against his boss.
RightHe never stands up to his boss.
'Stand up TO' a person; 'stand up against' is more for causes or ideas.
Patternstand up to + noun/pronoun
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Stand up to' is the everyday verb for refusing to be pushed around.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
stand up to + oppressorbulliesyour bossanyonepressure
Don't confuse it
'Stand up for' means to support or defend someone or something. 'Stand up to' means to challenge or resist someone or something.