take a stand
Declare your position
To take a stand is to publicly declare and commit to a position on a contested issue: She took a stand against the proposed development.
The phrase implies courage or conviction—you don't take a stand on uncontroversial matters.
It suggests readiness to defend the position against opposition: It's time to take a stand.
- confrontFace squarely, address directly
- assertDeclare confidently true
- dig inBegin a meal
- hold your groundRefuse to retreat
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
insist · put your foot down · challenge · declare · advocate · courage · draw the line · dissent · defend · backbone · opposition · integrity · conviction · oppose · uphold · principle · defiance · stance
- assertiveness tipsspeak up, be bold, say no
- decisionschoice, make a decision, choices, yes, no
- couragebravery, resilience, fearlessness, boldness, courage
- steadfastnesssteadfastness, firmness, resolve, steadfast, unwavering
take a standsit on the fence
Avoid committing either way
fence-sit · waffle · hedge · equivocate · vacillate
take a standlook the other way
Willfully ignore misconduct
disengage · abstain · stand aside · turn a blind eye · bury one's head in the sand
take, stand, standing, mistake, understand, taken, taking, understanding, stood