Phrasal verb
stick up for
Meanings
To defend or support someone when they are criticized, blamed, or treated unfairly.
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To defend yourself by refusing unfair treatment or by speaking up for your rights.
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Definition
To stick up for someone means to defend or support them when others criticize or treat them unfairly.
To stick up for someone is to speak or act in their defense, especially when they are being blamed, bullied, or treated unfairly. It often involves saying that someone is right, honest, or deserves respect. You can stick up for yourself or for another person in a difficult situation.
Examples
- I had to stick up for my brother when someone blamed him for the mess.
- You should stick up for yourself if the clerk is being rude.
- She stuck up for her teammate during the meeting.
- They always stick up for their friends when rumors spread online.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "stick for" or "stick on for" instead of "stick up for."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.