stand guard

stand guard

To watch over someone or something; to act as a guard or a lookout for someone or something. He stood guard outside the bathroom to make sure no one walked in on Jeremy getting sick. The police are standing guard around the prison, lest the prisoner should attempt escape a second time.
See also: guard, stand
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

stand guard

Watch over, act as a lookout, as in We'll climb the tree and get the apples if Josh will stand guard, or There's a parking space; stand guard while I make a U-turn and get to it. This term alludes to the military defense of posting guards to watch for the enemy.
See also: guard, stand
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

mount/stand/keep ˈguard (over somebody/something)

act as a guard: Two soldiers stood guard over the captured weapons.
See also: guard, keep, mount, stand
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

stand guard

1. To keep watch.
2. To act as a sentinel.
See also: guard, stand
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • keep guard
  • mount
  • mount/stand/keep guard
  • mount guard
  • guard (someone or something) from (someone or something)
  • guard from
  • take (one) by surprise
  • take by surprise
  • take somebody by surprise
  • bellow out
References in periodicals archive
GUTTED: Forensic investigators, right, search the fire damaged flat on Durham Street, Stockton while police stand guard at the front of the property, above Picture PETER REIMANN
THREE ARRESTED OVER FIRE AT FLAT; Police probe under way after blaze drama
Armed police stand guard in Lawson Road, Colwyn Bay
6-HOUR ARMED SIEGE DRAMA; Cops close down streets and surround two houses
Two Garda officers dispatched to stand guard at the doors of the maternity ward were the first to buy Avril Boyne a card to congratulate her on the new arrival.
Giving birth under guard; 60second briefing
``He's a lovely dog and obviously very loyal to stand guard like he did.''
LoyalMilo guards deadowner
RECORD all-weather winner Stand Guard has been retired after failing to add to his 26 successes at Lingfield on Saturday evening, writes Graham Green.
Record-breaker Stand Guard retired following odds-on Lingfield flop
STAND GUARD is the subject of a fresh British Horseracing Authority probe after a no-show at Southwell yesterday.
STAND GUARD AT CENTRE OF NEW INQUIRY; ON TRACK Latest news from the world of racing..
SOUTHWELL: 2.20 Stand Guard, 2.50 Gracie's Gift, 3.25 PELICAN ROCK (NAP), 3.55 Thackeray, 4.30 Myboyalfie, 5.00 Mottley Crewe, 5.30 Hunters Belt.
TODAY'S TIPS
When he does finally find his voice shoppers will be able to have conversations with him and find out what it's like to stand guard over the centre 24-7.
You got nothing to say Bully?
Prestigious boxing bouts are staged (and you get your dinner as well) The winners are pleased, the losers enraged And the ref is saved by the bell Four lions stand guard at the front of the pile They've surely been there for some years And the sights that you see in Lime Street at three Are enough to drive you to tears This city so great with buildings so tall Can compare with the best in the land But none can compete with our George's Hall On this I'llgive you my hand
YOU SAY: YourPoem: ST GEORGE'S HALL
Last month the BHA informed the Gambling Commission over concerns about the seller from which Stand Guard was taken out on a self-certificate, which further exposed a weakness in the rule 4 system which enabled early backers of subsequent race winner Mr Burbidge to get 1-4 about a horse returned at 1-10.
All eyes on Guard for possibly last time
STAND GUARD suffered a shock defeat in his bid to equal a record-equalling 25th victory on the all-weather.
STAND FAILS TO DELIVER IN QUEST FOR RECORD; ON TRACK; Latest news from the world of racing
A SOUTH WALES soldier has become one of the first in his regiment to stand guard for the Queen.
Royal honour for Welsh soldier Dean