stand pat

British  

verb

1. poker to refuse the right to change any of one's cards; keep one's hand unchanged

2. to resist change or remain unchanged

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stand pat Idioms  

1. Refuse to change one's position or opinion, as in We're going to stand pat on this amendment to the bylaws. This expression may be derived from the verb pat in the sense of “strike firmly and accurately.” [Late 1800s]

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Other Word Forms

• standpatter noun

Example Sentences

The central bank makes a sensible decision to stand pat on rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Last season, the Rams thought their young and talented pass rush could compensate for their decision not to stand pat with the cornerbacks and safeties from the 2024 season.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

The latest developments come ahead of the Fed's next policy meeting this week, which is expected to see officials stand pat on rates, having cut in the past three.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

Nine of 12 economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected the central bank to stand pat, while three tipped a 25-basis-points cut.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

I’ll stand pat on that, an’ I ain’t a-going to fight about it either.”

From The Fighting Edge by Raine, William MacLeod