stand pat
To resist changes.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The committee decided to stand pat on their original decision.”
“I will stand pat on my price because the car is worth it.”
“Despite the pressure from investors to change the strategy, the CEO chose to stand pat until the next quarter.”
“Even though the neighbors complained about the fence color, the homeowner decided to stand pat and keep it bright yellow.”
“After the coach saw the team winning, he chose to stand pat with the current players instead of making any substitutions.”
“Faced with an uncertain market and shifting public opinion, the board of directors resolved to stand pat, refusing to alter their long-term investment policy.”
disputed origin
Probably originally a poker phrase, with "pat" equaling "optimal", meaning that drawing more cards is unnecessary. Later the phrase came to be employed in other spheres. "Stand pat" was actively used in U.S. political campaigns of the 1900s, quickly gaining a sense of "being reactionary, resistant to dramatic changes in policy". Moreover, a noun, standpatter, was coined to denote such politicians.
- 01
blow this pop stand
To exit or remove oneself from a less than exciting location or environment.
- 02
blow this Popsicle stand
To leave a place, often with anger or anticipation of going somewhere more exciting.
- 03
can't stand
cannot put up with
- 04
can't stand the sight of
To hate vehemently; to really despise.
- 05
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.
- 06
not have a leg to stand on
To lack support, as in an argument, debate, or negotiation.
- 07
off pat
Synonym of down pat.
- 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.
Last updated August 10, 2026