stand in for
To substitute for someone.
The famous brain surgeon was called out of town so his assistant had to stand in for him during the operation.
stand in with
To be liked by or friendly with. Usually used with well.
John stands in well with the teacher.
stand off
To stay at a distance; stay apart.
At parties, Mr. Jones goes around talking to everyone, but Mrs. Jones is shy and stands off.
To keep (someone or something) from coming near or winning.
The soldiers defending the fort stood off a large band of Indians.
The other schools wanted to beat our team and win the championship, but our boys stood them all off.
stand on ceremony
To follow strict rules of politeness; be very formal with other people. Usually used with a helping verb in the negative.
Grandmother does not stand on ceremony when her grandchildren call.
stand on one's own feet
stand on one's own two feet
To depend on yourself; do things yourself; earn your own living; be independent.
After his father died, John had to stand on his own feet and earn his own living.
You should learn to stand on your own two feet.
stand one in good stead
To be helpful or useful to.
A boy scout knife will stand you in good stead when you do not have other tools.
Julia knew how to typewrite, and that stood her in good stead when she looked for a job.
stand one's ground
hold one's ground
To stay and fight instead of running away.
The enemy attacked in great numbers but our men stood their ground.
To defend a belief or statement; refuse to weaken when opposed; insist you are right.
John's friends said he was mistaken but he stood his ground.
stand out
To go farther out than a nearby surface; protect.
A mole stood out on her cheek.
To be more noticeable in some way than those around you; be higher, bigger, or better.
Fred was very tall and stood out in the crowd.
John stood out as a track star.
Her bright red hair makes her stand out from others in the group.