stand in good stead
Serve well later
To stand someone in good stead is to prove useful or advantageous to them, especially when needed: Her language skills stood her in good stead during the negotiations.
The phrase suggests preparation or qualities that pay off later: That training will stand you in good stead throughout your career.
Stead here means "place" in an old sense—something that serves well in your place of need.
Advantage or gain
- assetItem of value owned
- boonHelpful benefit received
- edgeBoundary or sharpness
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
upper hand · favor · aid · help · boost · leg up · head start · usefulness
Ability to anticipate futures
- forethoughtPlanning before acting
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
- readinessState of being prepared
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
planning · investment · training · experience · foundation · qualification · skill · education
Aid or sponsorship
- allySupportive partner
- advocatePublic cause supporter
- championTop competitor, or advocate
- bolsterStrengthen or buttress
strengthen · fortify · buttress · uphold · sustain · anchor · pillar · resource
Worthy of trust
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
- consistentNot varying or contradicting
- provenEstablished as fact
- tried-and-trueProven reliable over time
solid · stable · faithful · unwavering · durable · resilient · enduring · lasting
benefit
Advantage or gain
leverage · upper hand · favor · aid · help · boost · leg up · head start · usefulness · value
foresight
Ability to anticipate futures
- forethoughtPlanning before acting
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
- readinessState of being prepared
prudence · planning · investment · training · experience · foundation · qualification · skill · education · background
backing
Aid or sponsorship
bolster · strengthen · fortify · buttress · uphold · sustain · anchor · pillar · resource · safety net
dependable
Worthy of trust
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
- consistentNot varying or contradicting
- provenEstablished as fact
tried-and-true · solid · stable · faithful · unwavering · durable · resilient · enduring · lasting · time-tested