ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stand up and be counted

idiom
Meaning

To publicly make known one's views, contributions, or vote, especially in a contentious situation where fortitude is required.


Examples
SIMPLE

It is time to stand up and be counted for your beliefs.

CONTEXTUAL

When the company faced a difficult ethical choice, the manager encouraged all employees to stand up and be counted.

COMPLEX

In an era of deep political division, citizens must stand up and be counted if they wish to influence the future of their community.

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

    count angels on pinheads

    To focus on obtaining the correct details of something which are largely irrelevant or unimportant.

  6. 06

    count noses

    To count people one at a time.

  7. 07

    count one's blessings

    To focus one's attention on the circumstances of one's life which are pleasant or fortunate, especially with the intention of diverting one's thoughts from serious or disagreeable matters.

  8. 08

    count one's days

    To prepare for imminent retribution or termination.

Last updated April 17, 2026