stand still

Definitions

• remain motionless
  To not move or make any physical actions

• remain unchanged
  To stay the same or not make any progress

• be in a state of readiness or anticipation
  To be prepared or waiting for something to happen

Examples of stand still

• The statue in the park seems to be standing still, almost as if it has come to life and been frozen in time.

  This idiom is used to describe an object that appears to be motionless, like the statue. It can also be used to describe a person who is not moving or seems unaffected by their surroundings.

• She stood still for what seemed like an eternity, watching as the police officer wrote her a speeding ticket.

  This idiom is used to describe a person who remains motionless or does not move during a specific event or situation. Here, the woman was standing still while the police officer wrote the speeding ticket.

• The driver of the car ahead of me came to a sudden stop, causing my car to stand still behind it.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where one object or person comes to an abrupt stop, causing another object or person to stop as well. In this example, the first car suddenly stopped, causing the second car to stand still behind it.

• The traffic on the highway came to a complete standstill due to a major accident.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where all movement comes to a halt, often due to a significant event. In this example, the traffic on the highway came to a complete stop because of a major accident.

• The traffic light turned red, forcing all the cars to stand still at the intersection.

  In this example, "stand still" is used as a phrasal verb to describe how the cars stop moving in response to the traffic light's signal. This idiom is used to express the idea that something becomes motionless or stops moving abruptly.

• The crowd stood still in awe as the opera singer hit the final note.

  This example demonstrates the use of "stand still" to indicate a group of people who remain motionless, as if they are frozen in place, due to a powerful or overwhelming experience. Here, the idiom signifies a moment of profound silence and immobility.

• The painting hung on the wall, its colors standing still in a frozen tableau.

  This example applies "stand still" to an inanimate object to suggest that it appears motionless or frozen in its position, as if time itself has stood still. The idiom connotes a sense of stillness and immobility that is often associated with art and photography.

• She stood still, as if afraid to move, as the burglar crept towards her.

  This example uses "stand still" to convey the fear and paralysis of a person who is frozen in place, unsure of what to do in a dangerous or threatening situation. The idiom underscores the intense emotions that can make one feel helpless and unmoving.

Conclusion

The idiom "stand still" can be used to convey different intentions, including remaining motionless, unchanged, or in a state of readiness. It is often used to describe physical actions, lack of progress, or preparedness for something.

Origin of "stand still"

The origin of the idiom "stand still" can be traced back to the Old English word "stondan" which means "to stand." The use of "still" in this context refers to a state of immobility or lack of change. Over time, the phrase "stand still" evolved to encompass not only physical stillness but also a lack of progress or readiness. The idiom has been used in various forms of literature and communication to convey the idea of remaining motionless, unchanged, or in a state of anticipation. Its versatility and simplicity have contributed to its enduring usage in the English language.