stay behind
Not leave yet
Stay behind means to remain in a place after others have left.
A student might stay behind after class to ask a question.
Troops stay behind to secure a position while the main force advances.
The phrase often implies purpose—you stay behind for a reason, not just because you're slow.
Stay beyond necessity
- waitDelay until later
- tarryDelay one's leaving
- loiterRemain idly in place
- hang backRemain behind others
delay · dawdle · hover · lag · trail · straggle · hold back · pause
Prioritizing others over oneself
- altruismPrioritizing others' wellbeing
- heroismExceptional courage under duress
- martyrdomSuffering for conviction
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
dedication · noble · brave · volunteer · rearguard · last stand · hold the line · buy time
Allocated work or duty
- postVertical structural beam
- stationFixed stopping point
- guard dutySentry's assigned shift
- watchPortable timekeeping device
patrol · sentry · lookout · monitor · caretaker · custodian · oversee · maintain
linger
Stay beyond necessity
hang back · delay · dawdle · hover · lag · trail · straggle · hold back · pause · hesitate
selflessness
Prioritizing others over oneself
- altruismPrioritizing others' wellbeing
- heroismExceptional courage under duress
- martyrdomSuffering for conviction
devotion · dedication · noble · brave · volunteer · rearguard · last stand · hold the line · buy time · distraction
assignment
Allocated work or duty
- postVertical structural beam
- stationFixed stopping point
- guard dutySentry's assigned shift
watch · patrol · sentry · lookout · monitor · caretaker · custodian · oversee · maintain · secure
shelter
Protected place or structure
sanctuary · hideout · fortification · cover · barricade · stronghold · guard · defend · evacuate · hunker down
left out
Not made part of
- overlookedNot noticed or considered
- forgottenNo longer recalled
- abandonedLeft behind completely
stranded · marooned · isolated · separated · detention · kept back · held back · grounded · benched · sidelined
stay behindgo along
Consent or cooperate
come along · go with · accompany · depart · join
stay behindgo ahead
Permission to begin
lead the way · forge ahead · push ahead · move ahead · go first
stay, behind, stays, staying, stayed, withstand, upholding, beheld, overstay