stand back
phrasal verb
stood back; standing back; stands back
1
: to take a few steps backwards
The paramedics told the crowd to stand back.
2
: 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
But when the two stand back to back, their heads are almost completely aligned.
—
Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
As the cars were consumed by flames, some people were seen throwing Lime electric scooters into the burning shells, while others stood back from the fiery scene.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
At Edible Arrangements, Fahy peeled off her disposable gloves and stood back to admire her bouquet.
—Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The dog then took a different approach, standing back—still on its hind legs—eyes wide, and began growling.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stand back
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Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
As the cars were consumed by flames, some people were seen throwing Lime electric scooters into the burning shells, while others stood back from the fiery scene.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
At Edible Arrangements, Fahy peeled off her disposable gloves and stood back to admire her bouquet.
—Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The dog then took a different approach, standing back—still on its hind legs—eyes wide, and began growling.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stand back
Cite this Entry
“Stand back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand%20back. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
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