stand back

phrasal verb

stood back; standing back; stands back

: to take a few steps backwards

The paramedics told the crowd to stand back.

: to stop doing something or being actively involved in something for a time in order to think about it and make decisions in a calm and reasonable way

It's time to stand back and take a long hard look at your problems.

Examples of stand back in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Video shows attendant directing passengers Flight attendants are trained to respond this way in the first moments after a crash: quickly locate the emergency exit, and ask passengers to remain in their seats or stand back as the attendants determine the scene is safe, Nelson told CNN. —

Dakin Andone, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025 If the markets are not going to run away from you, maybe the best course for now is to stand back and clip your (bond or CD or Treasury bill) coupons. —

CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025 With its own plans for the region at stake, the Trump White House is unlikely to stand back while Netanyahu’s right flank tries to bring down the cease-fire. —

Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2025 The dad continued and Flynn stood back in disbelief. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stand back