stand-by

The pilot remained on stand-by in the crew lounge.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person or thing that can be relied upon: "stand-by" refers to someone or something that is dependable and can be counted on in times of need.
   • A reserve or backup: In technical or operational contexts, a "stand-by" is a piece of equipment or system kept ready to replace or support the primary one if it fails.

Usage Examples

• Noun (reliable person or thing):

  • My older brother is my stand-by whenever I need help with repairs. (He is a dependable person I can turn to.)
  • This old recipe is a stand-by for quick dinners. (It is a reliable, go-to option.)

• Noun (backup equipment):

  • The hospital keeps a stand-by generator in case of a power outage. (A backup generator is ready for use.)
  • We have a stand-by computer in the office for emergencies. (A reserve computer is available.)

Advanced Usage

• "on stand-by": in a state of readiness to be used or to act if needed.

  • The fire crew remained on stand-by throughout the storm. (They were prepared to respond immediately.)
  • The spare part is kept on stand-by for urgent repairs. (It is held in reserve.)

• "stand-by ticket": a ticket for a flight or event that is not pre-booked, available only if seats remain after all reserved passengers are accommodated.

  • She bought a stand-by ticket and waited at the airport. (A ticket without a guaranteed seat.)

Variants and Related Words

• Standby (adj): kept in reserve; ready for immediate use.

  • The standby battery lasted for hours. (The reserve battery was ready.)

• Stand-by mode (n): a low-power state in which an electronic device is ready to be activated.

  • The TV is in stand-by mode, waiting for the remote signal. (It is powered down but ready to turn on.)

Synonyms

• Backup: a person or thing that can replace or support another.
• Mainstay: a person or thing on which something depends or relies.
• Reserve: something kept for future or emergency use.

Related Idioms

• "to be a stand-by": to be a reliable or constant resource.

  • Her calm advice is a stand-by in stressful situations. (It is a dependable source of support.)

• "to stand by someone" (phrasal verb): to remain loyal or supportive.

  • He stood by his friend during the difficult time. (He remained loyal and supportive.)

Phrasal Verbs (related to "stand by")

• Stand by: to wait and be ready to act if needed.

  • Please stand by for further instructions. (Wait and be prepared.)

• Stand by (someone): to support or remain loyal to someone.

  • She stood by her husband through illness. (She supported him.)