Sticking up for people B1
When someone's getting picked on or left out, and you've got to stand up for them.
Being treated badly
pick on — treat someone unfairly or bully themA: Why is Mia so upset?
B: Some people keep picking on her in class, and it's really getting to her.
leave out B2 — exclude someoneA: Why didn't you invite Tom to the meeting?
B: It wasn't on purpose—we didn't mean to leave him out.
put down B2 — to criticize or insult someoneA: Why did you put me down in front of everyone?
B: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you.
look down on B2 — consider inferiorA: Why doesn't Mark talk to his neighbors?
B: I think he looks down on them because they didn't go to university.
Defending and protecting
stand up for — defend someone or somethingA: Why did you speak up in the meeting?
B: I had to stand up for my team—they worked really hard on that project.
stand up to B2 — defend yourself against someone or somethingA: I heard you argued with your landlord. What happened?
B: I just had to stand up to him because he kept ignoring my complaints.
look out for B2 — protectA: Who will look out for you while your parents are away?
B: My aunt will check on me every day.
More everyday phrasesB1 · everyday
fit in — belong sociallyA: How's your new job going?
B: It's good! Everyone is friendly, so I fit in pretty well.
show off — boastA: Did you see how much Sarah talked about her new job?
B: Yeah, she just loves to show off.
Going furtherB2 · once the core feels easy
stand by B2 — support someoneA: I made a mistake at work.
B: Don't worry, I'll stand by you.
The new kid
Ellie: They keep picking on the new lad in our class.
Ryan: That's out of order. Does he ever fit in with the others?
Ellie: Not really. They leave him out of everything.
Ryan: Someone needs to stand up for him, honestly.
Don't let them put you down
Grace: My boss keeps putting me down in front of everyone.
Nathan: He's got no right to look down on you like that.
Grace: I know. I'm going to stand up to him on Monday.
Nathan: Good on you. I'll be looking out for you, whatever happens.