- stand on something
- stand on something1. to step or tread on something, perhaps by accident. •
I didn't mean to stand on the cat's tail.
•Please don't stand on the nice carpet with muddy shoes.
2. to elevate oneself by standing on something, such as a chair or stool. •Tony stood on a stool so he could reach the cookie jar.
•Don't stand on that box. It won't hold you and it's not tall enough.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.