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stand up to — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
stand up to
1defend yourself against someone or something2withstand scrutiny

Meaning 1 · most common

defend yourself against someone or something

  • stand up to sth

to refuse to accept unfair treatment from a person or group, even if they have more power than you.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She finally stood up to her boss and explained why she deserved a promotion.

A: I heard you argued with your landlord. What happened?
B: I just had to stand up to him because he kept ignoring my complaints.

Common mistake

Not: He never stands up against his boss.

Say: He never stands up to his boss.

'Stand up TO' a person; 'stand up against' is more for causes or ideas.

More on “defend yourself against someone or something”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it’s important to stand up to people who try to take advantage of you, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Tell it apart

She stood up to him.

  • confronted/resisted him

She stood up for him.

  • defended him

Goes with

  • stand up to + oppressor
Practice saying this
Next meaning: withstand scrutiny

Meaning 2

withstand scrutiny

  • stand up to sth sth

to be strong or valid enough to endure close examination, criticism, or testing without being disproved or weakened.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Her theory does not stand up to close scrutiny by experts in the field.

A: Do you think his explanation will stand up to analysis?
B: Honestly, I doubt it. There are too many inconsistencies.

Common mistake

Not: The argument doesn't stand up against close examination.

Say: The argument doesn't stand up to close examination.

'Stand up TO' scrutiny/testing — not 'against'.

More on “withstand scrutiny”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

While the proposal initially seemed promising, it failed to stand up to rigorous academic scrutiny.

Tell it apart

Does the claim stand up to scrutiny?

  • hold up under examination

Will you stand up to him?

  • confront him — sense 1

Goes with

  • stand up to + test
Practice saying this
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defend yourself against someone or somethingwithstand scrutiny