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The most common meaning of the verb "stand" is to be in a vertical state, as in: "Mike stands next to his wife in this picture."

"Only the bell tower was left standing after the air raid."

But apart from this meaning, "stand" has many other meanings concerning opinion, attitude or even chances of success.

First of all, let's look at the expression, "take a stand". When you take a stand on a certain issue, you make clear to people a strongly held attitude you have on a subject.

"Khun Soraida Salwala takes a strong stand on the welfare of Asian elephants."    

"Schools must be safe for all children, and I, as the head of the school, am prepared to take a stand on this issue."

 

The meaning of this expression relates to the word "stand" as a noun when you ask someone how or where they "stand" on a particular issue, especially a public one. It is an opinion, attitude or policy on that issue. It can also be used as a verb:

"Where do you stand on building a nuclear power plant in Thailand?"

"She has a firm stand on human rights issues."

When you "stand a chance" of doing something, you have a chance or a possibility of being successful:

"Benny has been working hard for the whole year; he stands a good chance of passing the university entrance exam."

On March 2, we will have another chance to exercise our democratic rights; voting for new senators. This senate election sees many new faces standing for membership of the Upper House. In this context, "stand" means to compete in an election:

"There are many first-time candidates standing in the upcoming senate election."

We will end this week's column with the saying,  "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen". This saying tells a person who keeps complaining that something is to difficult or unpleasant, to stop complaining or stop doing it:

"Training to become a Marine is very hard, but if you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen."

Complete the sentences using the expressions explained

1. Charles knows what he is doing; I'm confident that he … of being an entrepreneur before he turns 30.

2. This candidate won the election because he has always … on improving the quality of life for underprivileged children.

3. What is your … on whaling?

4. I never told you that this job will be easy; so … .

5. The ex-president said that he would not … for re-election.

Answers: 1. stands a chance, 2. taken a stand, 3. stand, 4. if you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen, 5. stand

By Parnsap Yomanage