stand on

verb

1. (adverb) to continue to navigate a vessel on the same heading

2. (preposition) to insist on

   to stand on ceremony

3. informal,  to be independent or self-reliant

Idioms and Phrases

Be based on, depend on, as in Our success will stand on their support . [c. 1600]

Insist on observance of, as in Let's not stand on ceremony . This usage today is nearly always put in a negative context. [Mid-1500s]

Example Sentences

“Despite every effort… I won’t get to be there. I won’t get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most.”

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Buckingham’s virtuosic guitar comes into its own on “Stephanie,” his instrumental valentine to Nicks, along with “Crystal” and “Without a Leg to Stand On.”

From Salon

I have respect for those fans, I have respect for the players, I have respect for all of them, but I stand on everything I’ve ever said.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We don’t have to wallow in the misery that people expect us to be wallowing in. We can use those obstacles and stand on them. And I did.”

From Los Angeles Times

Democrats need to draw a line in the proverbial sand and take a strong stand on what they want in exchange for keeping the federal government open.

From Salon

Related Words

• hinge on 
• rest on www.thesaurus.com
• revolve around www.thesaurus.com