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ESLBeginner Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Stand ready

Hello, I'm wondering if "stand ready" is an idiom? does it mean "be ready", or really refer to the act of stand?

Thank you in advance.
  

Top answer

It's an idiom. You don't really have to stand up if you are "standing ready" to help someone. Without looking the expression up, I'd guess it comes from the military.

— Delmobile

  • It's an idiom.
  • You don't really have to stand up if you are "standing ready" to help someone.
  • Without looking the expression up, I'd guess it comes from the military.
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3 Answers
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It's an idiom. You don't really have to stand up if you are "standing ready" to help someone.

Without looking the expression up, I'd guess it comes from the military.
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I know of a similarly-looking expression (encountered it in a book) - to stand guard
For instance, a soldier stood guard by the US flag.
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In the military, I'm pretty sure you would have to stand if you were standing guard. The expression could also be used metaphorically. "Everybody knew Aunt Patsy stood guard over the old Tucker family Christmas traditions. Woe be to the new in-law who suggested a pork roast instead of turkey, or opening gifts on Christmas eve instead of Christmas morning."
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