stand down
Resign or withdraw from position
Wörtlich: to stay in a standing position while moving lower
In 15 Sekunden
- To resign from a position of power or authority.
- To stop an aggressive or confrontational behavior immediately.
- To transition from an active state to a relaxed one.
Bedeutung
This phrase describes the act of leaving a high-ranking position or stopping a fight. It is about stepping back from a conflict or a job to let someone else take over.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6A CEO leaving their company
The CEO was asked to stand down after the scandal.
طُلب من الرئيس التنفيذي التنحي بعد الفضيحة.
Stopping a heated argument between friends
Hey, stand down! It was just a joke, don't get angry.
مهلاً، تراجع! لقد كانت مجرد مزحة، لا تغضب.
A police officer giving a command
The officer ordered the suspect to stand down and drop the weapon.
أمر الشرطي المشتبه به بالتراجع وإلقاء السلاح.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase originated in the military to signal the end of a period of alert or duty. It has since evolved into a common political and corporate term used when leaders resign under pressure. In modern pop culture, it is often used in police or superhero movies to create a moment of high tension.
The 'Step' vs 'Stand' Secret
Use `step down` for a voluntary, peaceful exit. Use `stand down` when there is pressure, conflict, or a military vibe.
Watch Your Tone
Telling someone to `stand down` can sound very bossy. Only use it as a command if you have the authority to do so!
In 15 Sekunden
- To resign from a position of power or authority.
- To stop an aggressive or confrontational behavior immediately.
- To transition from an active state to a relaxed one.
What It Means
Stand down is all about retreating or resigning. Imagine a soldier at attention who finally relaxes. Or a CEO who decides to leave their post. It means you are stopping an action or leaving a role. It is a powerful way to say "I am finished here."
How To Use It
You use this when someone needs to quit a position. It is also used in arguments. If two people are yelling, a friend might say stand down. It tells them to stop the aggression. Use it as a phrasal verb. You can stand down from a role. Or you can just tell someone to stand down during a fight.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings when a leader resigns. It is perfect for political news or corporate changes. You can also use it in high-stress social moments. If your friend is about to argue with a waiter, tell them to stand down. It sounds firm but controlled. It is great for texting when a joke goes too far. Just type "Okay, stand down!" with a laughing emoji.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, physical movements. If you are sitting and want to stand, do not say this. Do not use it for casual quitting, like leaving a gym. It carries a bit of weight and drama. Do not tell your boss to stand down unless you want to get fired. It can sound like a command. Use it carefully with people in authority.
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in the military. It originally meant that soldiers could stop being on high alert. It moved from the battlefield to the boardroom in the 20th century. Now, it is a staple of political dramas and action movies. It implies a sense of duty or a formal end to a conflict. It feels very "Western" in its directness.
Common Variations
You might hear step down which is very similar. Step down is usually for jobs and is a bit softer. Stand down feels more like a command or a reaction to pressure. You also hear stand-down as a noun. This refers to a scheduled break or a period of rest. Both are common in news headlines about elections or strikes.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is neutral but leans toward formal in professional contexts. In casual speech, it is often used ironically or to de-escalate a serious argument.
The 'Step' vs 'Stand' Secret
Use `step down` for a voluntary, peaceful exit. Use `stand down` when there is pressure, conflict, or a military vibe.
Watch Your Tone
Telling someone to `stand down` can sound very bossy. Only use it as a command if you have the authority to do so!
Action Movie Logic
In movies, characters say this right before a big fight stops. It's a high-drama phrase that creates instant tension.
Beispiele
6The CEO was asked to stand down after the scandal.
طُلب من الرئيس التنفيذي التنحي بعد الفضيحة.
Used here as a formal way to describe resigning from a high position.
Hey, stand down! It was just a joke, don't get angry.
مهلاً، تراجع! لقد كانت مجرد مزحة، لا تغضب.
A casual way to tell someone to stop being aggressive.
The officer ordered the suspect to stand down and drop the weapon.
أمر الشرطي المشتبه به بالتراجع وإلقاء السلاح.
This is the most literal, authoritative use of the phrase.
Stand down, soldier! I'll be there in five minutes.
تراجع أيها الجندي! سأكون هناك خلال خمس دقائق.
Using military language in a text to be funny and lighthearted.
She decided to stand down to support a younger candidate.
قررت التنحي لدعم مرشح أصغر سناً.
Shows a selfless or strategic withdrawal from a race.
I think it's time for everyone to stand down and take a breath.
أعتقد أن الوقت قد حان للجميع ليتراجعوا ويأخذوا نفساً.
Used to de-escalate emotional tension in a group.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
The chairman was forced to ___ down after the vote of no confidence.
The phrase `stand down` is the standard expression for resigning from a position of authority.
Which context fits the phrase 'stand down' best?
If two people are fighting, you might tell them to ___.
`Stand down` is used to tell someone to stop being aggressive or to stop a conflict.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'Stand Down'
Telling a friend to chill out during a video game.
Stand down, bro!
A manager resigning from a project.
He chose to stand down.
Military or legal orders.
The troops were ordered to stand down.
When to say 'Stand Down'
Politics
A minister resigning.
Conflict
Stopping a bar fight.
Corporate
A director leaving the board.
Military
Ending a state of alert.
Aufgabensammlung
2 AufgabenThe chairman was forced to ___ down after the vote of no confidence.
The phrase `stand down` is the standard expression for resigning from a position of authority.
If two people are fighting, you might tell them to ___.
`Stand down` is used to tell someone to stop being aggressive or to stop a conflict.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot exactly. Quit is general, but stand down usually implies leaving a formal position or stopping a specific aggressive action.
It sounds a bit too dramatic for a part-time job. You wouldn't usually stand down from being a barista; you would just quit or resign.
It can be! If they are just talking, it sounds like you are ordering them around. Only use it if they are being genuinely aggressive or as a joke.
Stand down means to stop or leave, while stand by means to wait or be ready to help.
Yes, it is very common in both British and American English, especially in political news.
Yes, a stand-down (with a hyphen) is a period of rest or a temporary stop in activity.
Yes, it is often used in official statements regarding resignations or military orders.
Yes, this is the correct way to link it to a specific role, like stand down from the committee.
Learners sometimes use it to mean 'sit down.' Remember, it is about status or conflict, not physical posture.
Because it is! It comes from the command for soldiers to move from a 'ready' position to a relaxed one.
Verwandte Redewendungen
step down (to resign)
back off (to move away from a conflict)
call it a day (to stop working)
throw in the towel (to give up)
cease and desist (to stop an action legally)
