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Phrase(s): stand for something
1. to permit something; to endure something. • The teacher won’t stand for any whispering in class. • We just can’t stand for that kind of behavior. 2. to signify something. • In a traffic signal, the red light stands for "stop." • The abbreviation Dr. stands for "doctor." 3. to endorse or support an ideal. • The mayor claims to stand for honesty in government and jobs for everyone. • Every candidate for public office stands for all the good things in life.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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general::
1. Represent symbolize, as in The stars and stripes stands for our country. [Early 1600s] 2. Advocate, support, uphold, as in The National Writers Union stands for freedom of the press. [c. 1300] Also see STAND UP FOR. 3. Put up with, tolerate. This usage is generally in a negative context, as in Mother will not stand for rude behavior. [Late 1800s] Also see HOLD STILL FOR. 4. stand for something. Have some value or importance, as in She realized that appearances do stand for something. This usage dates from the mid-1800s but was preceded by stand for nothing, meaning "be worthless," dating from the late 1300s. Also see STAND IN FOR.
American Heritage Idioms