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on standby
Idioms and Phrases
Ready and waiting, as in We've got three more painters on standby . This expression originated in the navy in the 1940s, where it referred to someone being ready to come on duty as soon as required. From about 1960 it began to be widely used in aviation for a passenger waiting to take the first available seat on a full flight.Example Sentences
Because it was unclear how much explosive materials were on the property, multiple agencies were on standby in case there was any potential disaster.
Since the dire state of the company's finances first emerged about 18 months ago, the government has been on standby to put Thames into special administration.
The Tranent pressing plant is on standby for another order.
Teams with special dogs and a mobile operations centre have also been sent to the island, while helicopters are on standby in case of emergency.
“As the Pacific Coast Highway reopens, our top priority is ensuring the safety of everyone returning to this community,†he said in a statement, adding that he had ordered the National Guard to remain on standby, should any issues arise.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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