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Phrase(s): stand someone up
1. to place someone into a standing position. • I tried to stand him up, but he was just too tired. • Let’s try to stand up Timmy and get him awake. 2. to fail to show up for a meeting or a date. • He stood her up once too often, so she broke up with him. • Tom stood up Mary once, and she never forgave him., Phrase(s): stand up
1. to arise from a sitting or reclining position. • He stood up and looked across the valley. • She had been sitting for so long that it was a pleasure to stand up. 2. to be in a standing position. • I’ve been standing up all day and I’m exhausted. • I stood up throughout the whole trip because there were no more seats on the train. 3. to wear well; to remain sound and intact. • This material just doesn’t stand up well when it’s washed. • Her work doesn’t stand up under close scrutiny. 4. [for an assertion] to remain believable. • His testimony will not stand up in court. • When the police checked the story, it did not stand up.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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1. Remain valid, sound, or durable, as in His claim will not stand up in court, or Our old car stood up well over time. [Mid-1900s] 2. Fail to keep a date or appointment with, as in Al stood her up twice in the past week, and that will be the end of their relationship. [Colloquial; c. 1900] Also see STAND UP FOR; STAND UP TO; STAND UP WITH.
American Heritage Idioms