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sit idly by vs sit by

Both "sit idly by" and "sit by" are correct phrases, but they have slightly different meanings. "Sit idly by" implies watching or observing without taking any action, while "sit by" simply means to be present or remain in a place without any specific connotation of inaction. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the passivity or inaction of the person.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 1824 views

sit idly by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to convey the idea of watching or observing without taking any action.

This phrase is used to describe someone who is present but not intervening or getting involved in a situation. It implies a sense of passivity or inaction.

Examples:

He just sat idly by while the argument escalated.
I can't believe she would sit idly by and let that happen.
Don't just sit idly by, do something to help!
She didn't want to sit idly by and watch her friend suffer.
It's frustrating to see people sit idly by when they could make a difference.

Show examples from the web [+]

sit idly by. and stand idly by. to remain close, doing nothing to help. I do not intend to stand idly by while my children need my help. The wealthy man sat idly by ...
to stand or sit idly by → estarse de brazos cruzados · Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co.
sit idly by. and stand idly by. to remain close, doing nothing to help. I do not intend to stand idly by while my children need my help. The wealthy man sat idly by ...
This is the British English definition of stand / sit idly by. ... Definition and synonyms of stand / sit idly by from the online English dictionary from Macmillan ...

Alternatives:

stand idly by
watch idly by
remain idly by
stay idly by
observe idly by

sit by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate being present or remaining in a place without any specific connotation of inaction.

This phrase is used to describe someone who is physically present or staying in a particular location without any additional implication of passivity or inaction.

Examples:

I'll just sit by and wait for you to finish.
She decided to sit by the window and read a book.
He asked me to sit by him during the meeting.
Let's find a place to sit by the river and relax.
I prefer to sit by the aisle on the plane.

Show examples from the web [+]

4 days ago ... Meaning of “sit by” in the English Dictionary ... sit by. — phrasal verb with sit uk us /sɪt/ verb (present participle sitting, past tense and past ...
to take no action I felt we simply couldn't sit by and see the peace process threatened. We can't afford to sit idly by while dangerous people threaten our way of ...
Verb, 1. sit by - be inactive or indifferent while something is happening; "Don't just sit by while your rights are violated!" sit back · look on, watch - observe with ...
Related words. stand/sit idly by phrase · sit side by side. to take no action when something bad is happening. Are we just going to sit by and let this happen?

Alternatives:

sit near
sit beside
sit next to
sit close to
sit adjacent to

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