Definition of the word stand over

The phrase "stand over" originated during the 19th century, particularly in the working-class culture of England and Ireland. It referred to a specific type of bullying or intimidation, where one person (the bully) would demand that another (the victim) stand and watch while the former inflicted injuries or carried out other forms of violence. The expression is believed to be a variation of the older English phrase "stand by," which originally meant "stand close to me" or "be ready to assist me." Over time, though, its meaning evolved to include helping someone else perform a task or covering for them in some way. In slang use, "stand by" eventually came to mean "wait" or "stand aside." In the case of "stand over," the literal meaning of "stand over here" or "stand by the side of someone" became twisted into a form of threats and coercion. The bully would command the victim to "stand over" while they carried out their demands or inflicted violence, demonstrating their power and dominance. Over time, "stand over" spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States and Australia, where it continues to be used as a colloquial term for intimidation and bullying. In contemporary slang, it may also be used more broadly to mean "wait your turn" or "give someone a break."