standing on ceremony
Insisting on etiquette
Standing on ceremony means insisting on formal behavior or proper etiquette, especially when it's unnecessary or unwelcome.
The phrase usually appears in the negative: No need to stand on ceremony—help yourself to whatever's in the fridge.
Someone who stands on ceremony prioritizes protocol over ease or warmth.
- solemnlyIn a serious manner
- formalFollowing strict protocol
- black tieFormal evening dress code
- formal attireDressy occasion clothing
- stiffNot easily bent
stiff upper lip · bow · posture · white gloves · handshake · salute · protocol · by the book · self-consciousness · politeness · proper etiquette · deference · ritualism · propriety · curtsy · civility · punctiliousness · social graces
standing on ceremonyletting one's hair down
Releasing social inhibitions
relaxed · easygoing · laid-back · unceremonious · casual
standing on ceremonybeing oneself
Acting from true nature
keeping it real · down-to-earth · unaffected · getting down to business · no-nonsense
stand, stands, standing, ceremony, ceremonies, ceremonial, ceremonially, ceremonious, ceremoniously