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.

See Examples For:

stand up and be counted

However, former Tottenham winger Chris Waddle said it is also on the players "to stand up and be counted".

From BBC ● Mar. 11, 2026

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

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

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