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sit idly by vs stand idly by

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and are not directly comparable. 'Sit idly by' means to remain inactive or do nothing, while 'stand idly by' means to be present but not taking any action. The choice between the two depends on whether the person is sitting or standing while not doing anything.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 4523 views

sit idly by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to mean to remain inactive or do nothing.

This phrase is used to describe someone who is not taking any action or intervening in a situation, often implying a sense of passivity or indifference.

Examples:

I can't just sit idly by while people are suffering.
She sat idly by as the argument escalated.
Don't just sit idly by, do something to help!
He sat idly by and watched the events unfold.
We can't afford to sit idly by and wait for things to improve.

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
be idly by

stand idly by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to mean to be present but not taking any action.

This phrase is used to describe someone who is witnessing a situation without intervening or getting involved, often implying a sense of indifference or lack of concern.

Examples:

He stood idly by while the accident happened.
The teacher stood idly by as the students misbehaved.
Don't just stand idly by, speak up and make a difference!
She stood idly by and watched the chaos unfold.
We can't stand idly by and ignore the injustice.

Show examples from the web [+]

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 while the poor people starved ...
a. Not employed or busy: idle carpenters. See Synonyms at inactive. b. Disinclined to work or be active; lazy: "a man who could seem idle, ignorant, even ...
“Do not stand idly by while your neighbor's blood is shed.” Leviticus 19:16. This campaign, launched by the faith leaders and citizens who make up the Metro ...
They're both grammatically correct. It's just that stand idly by is a bit of a set phrase, or a phrase that's been repeated so often that it's bordering on a chiche.

Alternatives:

sit idly by
watch idly by
remain idly by
stay idly by
be idly by

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