I understand that “stand back and stand by” means leave, stay off the way and stay there.
But by reaction of media I suspect that this is not exactly correct? In context of recent (2020) US presidential debate.
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I understand that “stand back and stand by” means leave, stay off the way and stay there.
But by reaction of media I suspect that this is not exactly correct? In context of recent (2020) US presidential debate.
“Stand back”, when used metaphorically, means to disengage, or to allow events to take their course. A doctor, arriving at the scene of an accident might tell passers by to “stand back”, meaning not just literally backing away from the victim but also to stop taking action and allow the doctor to work unimpeded.
“Stand by” means to be ready to take some action. If soldiers are told to “stand by” they will make ready. The expectation is that an order for action will be given soon. Slightly differently, if the soldiers report that their attack target is in sight, if told to “stand by” will not attack, but will stay ready to attack.
Both are completely different from “stand down”, which means to cease action. Soldiers told to “stand down” stop fighting and carries no implication of maintaining readiness.
As is usual what the President of the United States actually meant is anybody’s guess. The Proud Boys (who are violent right wing extremists) absolutely took “stand by” as meaning “wait for the call to action”.