Stand Up – Meaning and Examples
Imagine your friend asks you to meet at 3 p.m., but they never show up. You waited for an hour! In English, we say your friend “stood you up.” This common idiom—stand up—is useful for talking about broken plans in a natural way. Knowing it helps you understand everyday conversations and express disappointment without sounding too harsh.
What Does “Stand Up” Mean?
When someone “stands you up,” it means they were supposed to meet you—but didn’t show up and didn’t warn you. Think of it like being left waiting all alone while the other person just disappears. It’s an idiom, so it has nothing to do with physically standing on your feet.
When to Use It
Use “stand up” in casual or neutral situations, like:
- Talking with friends about a canceled date or plan
- Complaining (politely) about someone who didn’t keep a promise
- Discussing missed meetups at school or work (but avoid it in very formal writing)
It’s mostly informal, so don’t use it in job interviews or official emails.
Example Sentences
- He was supposed to pick me up, but he stood me up!
- Don’t stand her up—she’s been looking forward to lunch all week.
- I can’t believe my cousin stood me up at my own birthday party.
- They stood us up at the last minute, so we went to the movies alone.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “I waited at the café for an hour, but Sam never came.”
Jamie: “Oh no! Did Sam stand you up again?”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t use it literally: “I stood up my coffee cup.” (That’s not correct!)
✅ Do use it for people: “She stood me up yesterday.”
Practice Tip
Practice Tip
Next time a plan falls through, try saying: “I think they stood me up.” Say it out loud to get comfortable!
Final Note
Now you know how to use the idiom “stand up” correctly! Don’t worry about making mistakes—everyone does. Just keep practicing, and soon you’ll use it naturally in conversations. You’ve got this!
