on standby

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.

Example Sentences

An ambulance was put on standby while she was being interrogated, Reuters reported citing the special prosecutor's office.

From BBC

In July, the judge approved Routh's request to represent himself, but ordered court-appointed attorneys to be on standby and warned him that his lawyers would represent him "far better".

From BBC

General manager Kaan Tas said the company knew from experience that demand surges during strikes and Lime had a team on standby to keep vehicles in service.

From BBC

She advised that having a lawyer would be "far better" and has ordered court-appointed legal counsel to remain on standby.

From BBC

However, the government has also stepped up preparations for that scenario in recent weeks by placing consultancy firm FTI on standby as special administrators if necessary.

From BBC