Stood Up: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
August 12, 2023

The idiom "stood up" means that someone did not show up for a planned meeting or date, especially without giving any notice or explanation.

In short:

  • "Stood up" means that someone failed to meet someone they had arranged to see.
  • It is derived from the literal meaning of standing someone up, which is to leave them waiting in a standing position.

What Does "Stood Up" Mean?

The idiom "stood up" means someone left another person waiting for a meeting or date, especially without any warning or reason. It suggests that someone who stood someone up was rude, irresponsible, or dishonest.

Where Does "Stood Up" Come From?

The idiom "stood up" is derived from the literal meaning of standing someone up, which is to leave them waiting in a standing position. This could happen when someone is waiting for another person at a specific location, such as a bus stop, a train station, a movie theater, etc. The waiting person may have to stand for a long time until they realize the other person is not coming.

Historical Example

The earliest recorded use of the idiom in this sense dates back to the late 19th century. For example, in his book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), Mark Twain wrote:

"Tom stood a moment to gather his dismembered faculties; and when he stepped forward to go to his punishment the surprise, the gratitude, the adoration that shone upon him out of poor Becky's eyes seemed pay enough for a hundred floggings."

10 Examples of "Stood Up" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the idiom "stood up" in various sentences, demonstrating different contexts and situations:

  • She was so excited for her first date with him, but he stood her up at the last minute. She learned it the hard way.
  • He had been looking forward to seeing his old friend from college, but he got stood up. That's why their friendship ended.
  • Lorraine couldn't believe that her sister stood her up on her birthday. But then she discovered that she was stuck in traffic.
  • He was glad that she stood him up. He had recently met someone else and wanted to be with her instead.
  • Donald was furious that Jane stood him up on their wedding day. He had spent a fortune and planned the preparations day in and day out.
  • Norah was relieved that James stood her up. It seems like she wasn't interested in him and was looking for an excuse to end things.
  • She was used to being stood up by her unreliable boyfriend. Glad to hear that she decided to break up with him and find someone better.
  • Cullen wasn't happy when Josephine stood him up on their anniversary. He had made a special dinner and bought her a gift.
  • He was embarrassed when he stood him up on their business lunch. He had forgotten to set his alarm and slept through it.
  • Justin was surprised when Audrey stood him up on their coffee date. She was the one who invited him out of the blue.

Examples of "Stood Up" in Pop Culture

The idiom "stood up" has also been used in various forms of pop culture, such as movies, TV shows, songs, books, etc.

Here are some examples:

  • In the movie The Wedding Singer (1998), Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) says to Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore): "I got left at the altar. She didn't even leave me a note. She just took off."
  • In the TV show How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014), Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) says to Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders): "I got stood up. I waited two hours at the restaurant, and she never showed."
  • In the book The Catcher in the Rye (1951), Holden Caulfield (J.D. Salinger) says: "I had a date with her. We were supposed to go to a matinee or something, but she never showed up."

Other Ways to Say "Stood Up"

Here are some alternatives for the phrase "stood up":

  • blow someone off
  • ditch someone
  • bail on someone
  • ghost someone
  • raincheck
  • no-show
  • leave someone hanging

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Stood Up"

Here are some common questions and answers about the idiom "stood up":

  • What does "stood up" mean?

The idiom "stood up" refers to someone leaving another person waiting for a meeting or date, especially without any warning or reason.

  • What is the origin of "stood up"?

The idiom "stood up" is derived from the literal meaning of standing someone up, which is to leave them waiting in a standing position.

  • What are some synonyms for "stood up"?

Some synonyms are "to blow someone off," "to ditch someone," "to bail on someone," "to ghost someone," and "to stand someone down."

  • What are some antonyms for "stood up"?

Some antonyms are "to show up," "to keep one's word," "to honor one's commitment," "to stay in touch," and "to confirm one's attendance."

  • Is "stood up" a verb, a noun, or an adjective?

It can be used as a verb, a noun, or an adjective, depending on the context and grammar.

  • In what situation can "stood up" be used?

One situation is when you want to express disappointment, hurt, or anger at someone who did not attend a planned meeting or date.

  • What are some benefits of being "stood up"?

It can help you realize who is reliable and trustworthy and who is not. In addition, it can help you avoid wasting your time and energy on someone who does not value or respect you. Moreover, it can help you learn from your mistakes and make better choices in the future. Lastly, it can help you grow stronger and more resilient in rejection or disappointment.

  • What are some drawbacks of being "stood up"?

It can hurt your feelings and damage your self-esteem. Additionally, it can ruin your plans and expectations for the day or night. Furthermore, it can make you lose trust and confidence in others. And finally, it could make you cynical and bitter about relationships and people.

  • How do you avoid being "stood up"?

There is no foolproof way to avoid being "stood up." However, you can take some precautions to reduce the chances of it happening by confirming the date, time, and place of the meeting or date beforehand and checking for any changes or cancellations. You can also choose a public and convenient location that is easy to find and access. Plus, you can exchange contact information and communicate regularly before and during the meeting or date with the person.

  • How do you cope with being "stood up"?

Being "stood up" can be a painful and frustrating experience. Nevertheless, you can cope healthily and positively by acknowledging your feelings and constructively expressing them to such a person. Never blame yourself, and don't take it personally.

Final Thoughts About "Stood Up"

"Stood up" is a common idiom with a simple but powerful meaning. It conveys the idea that someone did not show up for a planned meeting or date, especially without giving any notice or explanation.

In summary:

  • "Stood up" means that someone did not show up for a planned meeting or date, especially without giving any notice or explanation.
  • It is derived from the literal meaning of standing someone up, which is to leave them waiting in a standing position.
  • Additionally, it can be used as a verb, a noun, or an adjective, depending on the context and grammar.
  • Lastly, the idiom can be expressed differently, such as "to blow someone off" or "to ditch someone."

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