stand down

Definition

To wait; to stop pursuing, stop fighting, or relax from a heightened readiness posture.

Example Sentences

• "They ordered the troops to stand down for the moment."
• "The criminal case was launched after the aviation giant’s subsidiary stood down a trained health and safety representative hours after he directed others to cease work."
• "The remaining four locomotives in traffic […] are all expected to be stood down due to their high engine hours, as well as being due exams which the company is not prepared to undertake."