to stand in the gap
1
7.1
- phrasal verb
:
intervenir
- To stand in the gap?
Jesus is standing in the gap and saying no.
- Jesus is standing in the gap and saying no.
Examples
-
I want to thank all of the prayer intercessors who have stood in the gap and will continue to stand in the gap as this Fall Campaign soon comes to an end today at 12:00 PM.
Blog text (8) -
These pastors are standing in the gap for them, as they themselves know what it is like to grow up living in the trash dump.
Blog text (5) -
Jesus is standing in the gap and saying no.
-
" We don't take the time to stand in the gap for others, praying for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Blog text (16) -
I want to thank all of the prayer intercessors who have stood in the gap and will continue to stand in the gap as this Fall Campaign soon comes to an end today at 12:00 PM.
Blog text (8) -
During the disaster, many volunteers chose to stand in the gap by providing food and shelter to those in need.
-
Community leaders often stand in the gap for families struggling with financial difficulties.
-
When her friend was going through a tough time, Sarah decided to stand in the gap and support her emotionally.
Synonyms
486
1.0
To do something for someone who cannot do it alone
256
2.7
Defend or support someone who is treated unfairly
187
3.2
Support someone through difficult times
182
1.3
Give someone support with a task or problem when they need it
84
2.9
Support a person, group, or cause during hard times
28
2.7
To give help to someone during a difficult time
26
3.5
To help someone when they need it most
3
6.3
To publicly show support, often when doing so is risky
1
3.9
Support and defend other people who share a cause
To stand up for someone when they are in trouble
Antonyms
How Supportive
193
3.3
1
7.1
197
5.0
∞
1.0
∞
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The literal meanings of 'stand' + 'in' + 'gap' (to occupy a space in an opening) give a plausible image of positioning oneself between or filling a void, so a learner could infer a basic sense of taking a place between parties. However, the common idiomatic sense 'to intervene or support others' is a metaphorical extension (with biblical/religious usage) and is not fully predictable for a B1 learner without prior exposure.
Etymology
Stand in the gap comes from the simple image of someone who stands in a broken part or gap of a wall to stop danger and protect others. So the phrase means 'to take action to support or help' when someone else cannot.