# stand up on one's hind legs

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/stand-up-on-ones-hind-legs
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To act boldly; to take responsibility.

## Examples

- It is time to stand up on your hind legs and speak.
- Instead of hiding from the mistake, he decided to stand up on his hind legs and explain what happened to his boss.
- The senator finally stood up on his hind legs to defend his controversial policy, despite the intense pressure from his political rivals.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.