1
general::
Phrase(s): take a stand (against someone or something)
to take a position in opposition to someone or something; to oppose or resist someone or something. • The treasurer was forced to take a stand against the board because of its wasteful spending. • The treasurer took a stand, and others agreed.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Adopt a firm position about an issue, as in She was more than willing to take a stand on abortion rights. This idiom alludes to the military sense of stand, "hold one's ground against an enemy." [Mid-1800s] Also see MAKE A STAND.
American Heritage Idioms