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"Stand by" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "mantenerse al margen", and "sit back" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "recostarse". Learn more about the difference between "stand by" and "sit back" below.
stand by(
stahnd
bay
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. mantenerse al margen
Those who stood by and watched were found guilty of providing moral support to the thief.Los que se mantuvieron al margen y se quedaron viendo fueron hallados culpables de dar apoyo moral al ladrón.
b. quedarse de brazos cruzados
This is unfair. I'm not going to stand by.Esto es injusto. No voy a quedarme de brazos cruzados.
a. estar preparado
The fire department is standing by at the fireworks show just in case.El cuerpo de bomberos está preparado en el espectáculo de fuegos artificiales por si acaso.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Flight attendants, stand by for landing.Auxiliares de vuelo, listas para aterrizar.
Stand by for incoming!¡Listos para recibir un obús!
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
3. (to uphold)
4. (to support)
a. apoyar
Kelly stood by Bill even when everyone else had turned against him.Kelly apoyó a Bill aún cuando todos los demás se habían vuelto contra él.
sit back(
siht
bahk
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. recostarse
I want to you to sit back, close your eyes, and imagine that you're in a happy, peaceful place.Quiero que te recuestes, que cierres los ojos y que imagines que estás en un lugar feliz y tranquilo.
2. (figurative) (to relax)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. ponerse cómodo
Thank you for coming out tonight; sit back and enjoy the show.Gracias por venir esta noche; pónganse cómodos y disfruten el espectáculo.
b. relajarse
After working 50 hours this week, it's really nice to be able to sit back and do nothing for a while.Después de trabajar 50 horas esta semana, se siente muy bien poder relajarme y no hacer nada un rato.
a. quedarse de brazos cruzados
Are we going to sit back while these atrocities continue?¿Vamos a quedarnos de brazos cruzados mientras siguen estas atrocidades?
