STAND BY


Meaning of STAND BY in English

1.

to be present while sth bad is happening but not do anything to stop it :

How can you stand by and see him accused of something he didn't do?

—related noun bystander

2.

to be ready for action :

The troops are standing by.

—related noun standby

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.