stand up and be counted

Idioms

Reveal one's convictions or opinions, especially when it requires courage to do so. For example, Stop muttering your complaints about the music; stand up and be counted if you want something changed. The counted in this expression alludes to having one's vote on a matter acknowledged. [c. 1900]

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.

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stand up and be counted

They soon zeroed in on Cell A-201 where Thomas was laying in his bunk, not responding to their commands to stand up and be counted.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 20, 2021

“I want to see a senator and a congressional member from every single state to stand up and be counted, because this could be your constituents.”

From Washington Post ● Jul. 15, 2021

"We must stand up and be counted because we need to find a way out of this mess," the 75-year-old guitarist previously said in a statement.

From Fox News ● Dec. 20, 2020

Voters literally had to stand up and be counted when the names of the candidates they wanted to vote for were called.

From Salon ● Sep. 12, 2020

Bully for you, Bristles;" remarked a tall student, vigorously; "I always knew you'd stand up and be counted.

From Fred Fenton on the Track or, The Athletes of Riverport School by Allen Chapman

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