stands on ceremony
Follows strict protocol
Stands on ceremony means to insist on formal behavior or proper protocol, often when it's unnecessary or unwelcome.
Someone who stands on ceremony might require elaborate greetings, precise titles, or rigid etiquette.
The phrase usually appears in the negative: Don't stand on ceremony—help yourself to the fridge.
We're old friends; there's no need to stand on ceremony.
- rigidityState of being unbending
- stiff upper lipControlled emotional restraint
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- by the bookFollowing established procedures exactly
- decorumFitting social conduct
proper etiquette · tradition · old school · propriety · social graces · precedence · custom · good manners · reserve · ritualism · deference · hierarchy · formality · white gloves · courtesy · finishing school · inhibition · politeness
stands on ceremonycasual
Relaxed and informal
informal · relaxed · laid-back · easygoing · lets one's hair down
stands on ceremonyflexible
Able to bend freely
adaptable · easy · loosey-goosey · freewheeling · undemanding
stands on ceremonyunpretentious
Lacking false superiority
down-to-earth · unaffected · natural · genuine · approachable
stand, stands, standing, ceremony, ceremonies, ceremonial, ceremonially, ceremonious, ceremoniously