stand back

phrasal verb

stood back; standing back; stands back

: to take a few steps backwards

The paramedics told the crowd to stand back.

: to stop doing something or being actively involved in something for a time in order to think about it and make decisions in a calm and reasonable way

It's time to stand back and take a long hard look at your problems.

Examples of stand back in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Despite being critically wounded, Thames stood back up and fired a shot at the fleeing vehicle, striking the shooter's arm, according to MSPTA. —

Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024 Rather than emphasizing the impact of each move with their edit, the Xu brothers prefer to stand back and admire the action for its speed. —

David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2024 In a third photo, the mom of three stood back so the camera could capture her head-to-toe transformation. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 The two candidates likely have different reasons for standing back, said Koning. —

Chloe Berger, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stand back