# stay behind

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/stay-behind
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To remain where one is, whilst others leave.

## Examples

- I have to stay behind to finish my work.
- The teacher asked the student to stay behind after class to discuss his recent exam results.
- While the rest of the expedition team departed for the summit, the injured climber had to stay behind at base camp to recover.

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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.