take up for
Stand behind them
To take up for someone is to defend or support them, especially when they're being criticized or attacked: She always takes up for her little brother when the other kids pick on him.
The phrase implies stepping in on someone's behalf, often vocally.
Top competitor, or advocate
- defendProtect from harm
- advocatePublic cause supporter
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- backReverse side; support
endorse · stand by · uphold · promote · justify · vindicate · assert · affirm
Ally oneself with
- stand withOffer allegiance to
- join forcesCollaborate with others
- band togetherUnite for shared purpose
- throw in withCommit to a side
Handheld defensive armor
- guardWatchful defensive attention
- shelterProtected place or structure
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
- watch overMonitor protectively
look after · stand guard · buffer · insulate · harbor · escort · chaperone · ward
champion
Top competitor, or advocate
back · endorse · stand by · uphold · promote · justify · vindicate · assert · affirm · espouse
side with
Ally oneself with
- stand withOffer allegiance to
- join forcesCollaborate with others
- band togetherUnite for shared purpose
shield
Handheld defensive armor
- guardWatchful defensive attention
- shelterProtected place or structure
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
watch over · look after · stand guard · buffer · insulate · harbor · escort · chaperone · ward · keep safe
take up forcriticize
Judge unfavorably, vocally
attack · condemn · denounce · turn against · badmouth
take up forabandon
Leave behind permanently
desert · forsake · hang out to dry · turn one's back on · leave in the lurch
take, for, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, uptake, intake