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Synonyms

make a stand

Idioms  

  1. Hold firm against something or someone, as in The government was determined to make a stand against all forms of terrorism. This idiom transfers the early meaning of holding ground against an enemy to other issues. [c. 1600]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In their current negotiations with Notre Dame — their contract expired this fall — USC needs to use its leverage and make a stand.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2025

Amy Tisi told the BBC she had protested the last time Trump visited and it was "important to make a stand".

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2025

“We realized if we did not make a stand we would lose it all,” Denise Norden said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2025

Robert Hanus, another of the vigil’s attendees said, that everybody should come together to make a stand against the attack.

From Washington Times • Dec. 22, 2023

"Here is as good a place as any to make a stand," he declared.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.