ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stand up

idiom
Meaning

(stand someone up) To avoid a prearranged meeting, especially a date, with (a person) without prior notification; to jilt or shirk.


Origin

disputed origin

From Middle English standen up, from Old English standan up; equivalent to stand + up. Compare Old Norse standa upp.

Examples
SIMPLE

He stood me up last night and never called.

CONTEXTUAL

She waited at the restaurant for an hour before realizing he had stood her up.

COMPLEX

After being stood up twice in one month, she decided to delete the dating app and focus on herself.

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

    can't stand

    cannot put up with

  4. 04

    can't stand the sight of

    To hate vehemently; to really despise.

  5. 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.

  6. 06

    not have a leg to stand on

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

  7. 07

    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.

  8. 08

    stand a chance

    To have a chance.

Last updated April 17, 2026