1
general::
1. Be based on, depend on, as in Our success will stand on their support. [c. 1600] 2. Insist on observance of, as in Let's not stand on ceremony. This usage today is nearly always put in a negative context. [Mid-1500s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): stand (up)on someone or something
to be on someone or something, standing. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) • To help his back pain, he lay down on his tummy and Jill stood upon him, digging her toes into his back. • Please don’t stand on the bed., Phrase(s): stand on something
1. to step or tread on something, perhaps by accident. • I didn’t mean to stand on the cat’s tail. • Please don’t stand on the nice carpet with muddy shoes. 2. to elevate oneself by standing on something, such as a chair or stool. • Tony stood on a stool so he could reach the cookie jar. • Don’t stand on that box. It won’t hold you and it’s not tall enough.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs