stand off
Idioms-
Stay at a distance, remain apart, as in Carol stood off from the others . [First half of 1600s] This usage gave rise to the adjective standoffish for “aloof” or “reserved in a haughty way.”
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Put off, keep away, as in The police stood off the angry strikers . [Second half of 1800s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The stand off has spurred calls for diplomacy from regional actors and allies of the rival countries.
From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026
He bought pies from a fruit stand off Interstate 80 between San Francisco and Sacramento and delivered them as apologies to targets of his rants.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 7, 2025
"The game of rugby is meant to be hyperactive, physical and a game of chess which is incredible to watch. Instead you have a stand off."
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2024
Head, who recovered from fractured thumb, and David Warner smashed New Zealand pace bowlers with an aggressive 175-run opening wicket stand off 117 balls.
From Washington Times • Oct. 28, 2023
Jensen said, “We’ll anchor now, lad. We’ll stand off till the fog lifts.”
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
