stand in

To do someone else’s job for a short time because they cannot do it.

• Can you stand in tomorrow?
• I stood in for my colleague last week.
• She’s standing in while the manager is away.

How to use it: stand in for someone (Can you stand in for our teacher tomorrow?)

Similar words: fill in, substitute, deputize

Common phrases: stand in for someone, stand in today

To be ready to perform an actor’s part when that actor cannot appear.

• He’s ready to stand in tonight.
• She stood in for the leading actress.
• Who will stand in if the actor loses his voice?

How to use it: stand in for an actor (She will stand in for the lead actress if necessary.)

Similar words: understudy, substitute

Common phrases: stand in for someone, stand in onstage

To join other people in a bet or a risky plan to make money.

• Will you stand in with us?
• Two friends stood in on the wager.
• She agreed to stand in and share the risk.

How to use it: stand in with someone (He offered to stand in with us on the bet.)

Similar words: join in, participate

Common phrases: stand in with someone, stand in together

To support one person or group in an argument.

• They stood in with our side.
• She would stand in with her friends during any quarrel.
• Why did you stand in with him against us?

How to use it: stand in with someone (He chose to stand in with his brother in the dispute.)

Similar words: side with, support

Opposites: oppose

Common phrases: stand in with someone, stand in together

Someone who does another person’s job for a short time.

• We need a stand-in today.
• Her stand-in taught the class well.
• He worked as a stand-in for the lead actor.

How to use it: a stand-in for someone (They hired a stand-in for the absent actor.)

Similar words: substitute, replacement

Common phrases: a stand in, temporary stand in, stand in for someone