Stand back

phrasal verb

To move a few steps away from something or someone, often for safety.

When the fireworks start, you should stand back to avoid getting hurt.
Visual representation of "stand back" - To move a few steps away from something or someone, often for safety

Often appears as...

  • stand back from
  • stand back to avoid
phrasal verb

To take no action; to not involve oneself.

I saw you were struggling, but I thought it best to stand back and let you figure it out yourself.
Visual representation of "stand back" - To take no action; to not involve oneself

Often appears as...

  • stand back and watch
  • stand back and observe

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrasal verb

To observe from a distance.

Stand back and you'll see the bigger picture.
Visual representation of "stand back" - To observe from a distance

Often appears as...

  • stand back and inspect
  • stand back and view
phrasal verb

To move a few steps away from something or someone, often for safety.

When the fireworks start, you should stand back to avoid getting hurt.
Visual representation of "stand back" - To move a few steps away from something or someone, often for safety

Often appears as...

  • stand back from
  • stand back to avoid
phrasal verb

To take no action; to not involve oneself.

I saw you were struggling, but I thought it best to stand back and let you figure it out yourself.
Visual representation of "stand back" - To take no action; to not involve oneself

Often appears as...

  • stand back and watch
  • stand back and observe

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrasal verb

To observe from a distance.

Stand back and you'll see the bigger picture.
Visual representation of "stand back" - To observe from a distance

Often appears as...

  • stand back and inspect
  • stand back and view
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "stand back"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Safety First

Used when needing to keep a safe distance for protection or avoiding danger.

Illustration for Safety First
Stand back from the edge of the platform.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Physical Space

Indicates a physical movement away from a person or object.

Illustration for Physical Space
Please stand back from the painting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Giving Room

,Encourages making space for something to happen or be observed.

Illustration for Giving Room
Stand back to let the ambulance pass.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Safety First

Used when needing to keep a safe distance for protection or avoiding danger.

Illustration for Safety First
Stand back from the edge of the platform.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Physical Space

Indicates a physical movement away from a person or object.

Illustration for Physical Space
Please stand back from the painting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Giving Room

,Encourages making space for something to happen or be observed.

Illustration for Giving Room
Stand back to let the ambulance pass.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Safety First

Used when needing to keep a safe distance for protection or avoiding danger.

Illustration for Safety First
Stand back from the edge of the platform.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Physical Space

Indicates a physical movement away from a person or object.

Illustration for Physical Space
Please stand back from the painting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Giving Room

,Encourages making space for something to happen or be observed.

Illustration for Giving Room
Stand back to let the ambulance pass.
Visual representation of the word "Stand back"

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