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.

"You have to stand up and be counted and we didn't do it well enough," Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said following the 2-2 draw in the Champions League.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

“I felt if they were going to do that, it was time for me to stand up and be counted on this thing,” Mr. Kolbe told reporters at the time.

From Washington Post • Dec. 4, 2022

“But you will only stand up and be counted if you know the true worth of your number.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 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 Chapman, Allen

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