stand aside
phrasal verb
stood aside; standing aside; stands aside
1
: to move to the left or right with one step or a few small steps
Please stand aside and let me pass.
2
: to allow something to happen : to not try to stop someone from doing something
I'm not going to stand aside and watch you ruin your life.
Examples of stand aside in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Then senators took over the debate, filling the chamber with speeches, while Republicans largely stood aside.
—
Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025
The decision by the two-term senator to stand aside also marks the latest in a string of more moderate members departing the upper chamber, a dynamic Tillis referenced in his statement.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 29 June 2025
And then along come two politicians who’ve both been arrested for refusing to stand aside as state power harms people.
—Steven W. Thrasher
june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Then along come two politicians who’ve both been arrested for refusing to stand aside as state power harms people.
—Steven W. Thrasher
june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Later in life, these experiences gave him the ability to stand aside and let others talk, a valuable attribute for a writer.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Meanwhile, the military officials and intelligence agencies that the president sought to enlist refused to cooperate, the courts refused to stand aside, and the media reported developments accurately.
—Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025
News to Know Popovich steps down Gregg Popovich is standing aside as head coach of the Spurs after a legendary 29-year career.
—Sam Settleman, New York Times, 3 May 2025
While soldiers stood aside, volunteers combed through rubble with their hands.
—Sui-Lee Wee, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
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Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025
The decision by the two-term senator to stand aside also marks the latest in a string of more moderate members departing the upper chamber, a dynamic Tillis referenced in his statement.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 29 June 2025
And then along come two politicians who’ve both been arrested for refusing to stand aside as state power harms people.
—Steven W. Thrasher
june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Then along come two politicians who’ve both been arrested for refusing to stand aside as state power harms people.
—Steven W. Thrasher
june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Later in life, these experiences gave him the ability to stand aside and let others talk, a valuable attribute for a writer.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Meanwhile, the military officials and intelligence agencies that the president sought to enlist refused to cooperate, the courts refused to stand aside, and the media reported developments accurately.
—Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025
News to Know Popovich steps down Gregg Popovich is standing aside as head coach of the Spurs after a legendary 29-year career.
—Sam Settleman, New York Times, 3 May 2025
While soldiers stood aside, volunteers combed through rubble with their hands.
—Sui-Lee Wee, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stand aside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand%20aside. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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