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Stand idly by Meaning in English

expression

ˈstænd/ /ˈaɪdɫi/ /ˈbaɪ
STAND EYE-dlee BY
stˈænd/ /ˈaɪdli/ /bˈaɪ
STAND EYE-dlee BY

Definición

To watch something happen without taking any action to help or stop it, even when you could do something.

Uso & Matices

Used mostly in negative or critical contexts, often about moral responsibility. Common with 'can't' or questions ('Should we stand idly by?'). Not literal; always figurative.

Oraciones de Ejemplo

We cannot stand idly by while people are suffering.

basic

She refused to stand idly by when her friend was in danger.

basic

Don't just stand idly by—help if you see someone needs it.

basic

Too many people stand idly by when they hear about injustice.

natural

Are we really going to stand idly by and do nothing about climate change?

natural

He couldn’t just stand idly by while his coworkers were being treated unfairly.

natural