stand up to — defend yourself against someone or something
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+neutralcommon
to refuse to accept unfair treatment from a person or group, even if they have more power than you.
Say it like a native
Textbook You must resist those who treat you unjustly.
Native You've got to stand up to bullies.
'Stand up to' is the everyday verb for refusing to be pushed around.
Pattern: stand up to + noun/pronoun
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ He never stands up against his boss.
✓ He never stands up to his boss.
'Stand up TO' a person; 'stand up against' is more for causes or ideas.
Common collocations
stand up to + oppressor— bullies, your boss, anyone, pressure
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.