stand by ( standing, stood, stands )

• 1. 

  PHRASAL VERB If you are standing by, you are ready and waiting to provide help or to take action. 做好准备

  例：

  British and American warships are standing by to evacuate their citizens if necessary.

  英美战舰已做好准备一有必要就撤出本国公民。

• 2. 

  → see also standby

• 3. 

  PHRASAL VERB If you stand by and let something bad happen, you do not do anything to stop it. 袖手旁观 [表不满]

  例：

  The Secretary of Defence has said that he would not stand by and let democracy be undermined.

  国防部长已经表明他不会袖手旁观，任由民主遭到破坏。

• 4. 

  PHRASAL VERB If you stand by someone, you continue to give them support, especially when they are in trouble. 继续支持 (尤指处于困境者) [表赞许]

  例：

  I wouldn't break the law for a friend, but I would stand by her if she did.

  我不会为朋友而违法，但如果她犯了法我会继续支持她。

• 5. 

  PHRASAL VERB If you stand by an earlier decision, promise, or statement, you continue to support it or keep it. 坚持 (原有的决定、承诺或声明)

  例：

  The decision has been made and I have got to stand by it.

  这个决定已经作出，我得坚持它。