stand up to


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stand up to (someone or something)

To confront someone or something in defiant opposition, especially in defense of oneself or someone else. Wow, I can't believe you stood up to the boss like that. He's such a bully to everyone else. We need to stand up to these big companies that try to pollute our waters.
See also: stand, to, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

stand up to someone or something

to take a stand against someone or something; to hold one's ground or principles in the face of a challenge by someone or something. He is a tough customer, and you have to learn to stand up to him. Can the witness stand up to questioning by the prosecution?
See also: stand, to, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

stand up to

Confront fearlessly, oppose boldly, as in You've got to stand up to the boss if you want him to respect you. [Early 1600s]
See also: stand, to, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

stand up to

To confront fearlessly; face up to.
See also: stand, to, up
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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