ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stand in the gap

idiom
Meaning

To expose oneself for the protection of something; to make defence against any assailing danger; to take the place of a fallen defender or supporter.


Examples
SIMPLE

He stepped forward to stand in the gap for his friend.

CONTEXTUAL

When the lead manager quit suddenly, she had to stand in the gap to keep the project running.

COMPLEX

Recognizing the vulnerability of the team, the veteran officer chose to stand in the gap, shielding his colleagues from the incoming criticism.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    blow this pop stand

    To exit or remove oneself from a less than exciting location or environment.

  2. 02

    blow this Popsicle stand

    To leave a place, often with anger or anticipation of going somewhere more exciting.

  3. 03

    bridge the gap

    To serve as or create a connection between disconnected or disparate things.

  4. 04

    can't stand

    cannot put up with

  5. 05

    can't stand the sight of

    To hate vehemently; to really despise.

  6. 06

    half-night stand

    A single sexual encounter between two individuals, lasting for less than an entire night, where at least one of the partners has no immediate intention or expectation of establishing a longer-term sexual or romantic relationship.

  7. 07

    not have a leg to stand on

    To lack support, as in an argument, debate, or negotiation.

  8. 08

    one-night stand

    A single sexual encounter between two individuals, where at least one of the partners has no immediate intention or expectation of establishing a longer-term sexual or romantic relationship.

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