stand for
stand (one) for (something)
To fulfill one's needs for some amount of time. When you're looking for a logo for your new company, you want something bold and memorable that will stand your business for years to come. There's enough food in the shelter to stand us for two or three weeks.
See also: stand
stand for (something)
1. To accept, tolerate, permit, or endure something. Usually used in the negative. You've been insulting me all evening long and I will not stand for it any longer! Our new teacher said she won't stand for talking or fooling around in class.
2. To represent, signify, or exemplify something. The stars and stripes of our flag stand for liberty afforded to individual state governments. A: "What do your company's initials stand for?" B: "Mason, Baxter, and Aiken. They're the three founders."
3. To advocate, support, or endorse something. Our chief stands for justice for all citizens, and I have no doubt that he'll be cleared of these charges. Our country stands for freedom above all else.
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Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
stand for something
1. to permit something; to endure something. The teacher won't stand for any whispering in class. We just can't stand for that kind of behavior.
2. to signify something. In a traffic signal, the red light stands for "stop." The abbreviation Dr. stands for "doctor."
3. to endorse or support an ideal. The mayor claims to stand for honesty in government and jobs for everyone. Every candidate for public office stands for all the good things in life.
See also: stand
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
stand for
1. Represent, symbolize, as in The stars and stripes stands for our country. [Early 1600s]
2. Advocate, support, uphold, as in The National Writers Union stands for freedom of the press. [c. 1300] Also see stand up for.
3. Put up with, tolerate. This usage is generally in a negative context, as in Mother will not stand for rude behavior. [Late 1800s] Also see hold still for.
4. stand for something. Have some value or importance, as in She realized that appearances do stand for something. This usage dates from the mid-1800s but was preceded by stand for nothing, meaning "be worthless," dating from the late 1300s. Also see stand in for.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
stand for
v.
1. To represent something; symbolize something: In military code, "Charlie" stands for the letter C. What does your middle initial stand for?
2. To advocate or support something: I stand for freedom of the press.
3. To tolerate something; put up with something: We will not stand for rude behavior.
4. To run in some election or for some elected office: The incumbent stood for reelection.
See also: stand
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- stand (one) for (something)
- carry (one's) own weight
- accommodate
- accommodate (one) with (something)
- accommodate with
- hold up (one's) end (of the bargain)
- qualify for
- have the brass (neck) to (do something)
- carry (one's) weight
- have the face to