on standby

Idioms  

1. Ready and waiting, as in We've got three more painters on standby. This expression originated in the navy in the 1940s, where it referred to someone being ready to come on duty as soon as required. From about 1960 it began to be widely used in aviation for a passenger waiting to take the first available seat on a full flight.

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Example Sentences

Ireland's armed forces have been put "on standby" to assist with clearing the blockades, defence minister Helen McEntee has said.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Gomina in turn called the quick-reaction force, or QRF, an elite unit on standby for emergencies, to order a counterattack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Also at the hotel on Monday evening was migration agent Melody Naghmeh Danai, on standby to assist those choosing to stay about their options.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Wiltshire Council officials are now on standby to help social tenants struggling with heating costs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

The “red dots,” specially designated officers on standby for an emergency, would then run there to offer aid.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover