'stand guard'?
'Rather than being impressed by them, we would tease them about the boring aspects of the job, asking them how many tiles were in the ceiling outside of the room and laughing at them as they stood guard next to a steaming dumpster. '

Is 'stand guard ' a fixed useage?
What does this word mean?
Who can tell me,thank u!

Question

'stand guard'?
'Rather than being impressed by them, we would tease them about the boring aspects of the job, asking them how many tiles were in the ceiling outside of the room and laughing at them as they stood guard next to a steaming dumpster. '

Is 'stand guard ' a  fixed  useage?
What does this word mean?
Who can tell me,thank u!

Answer

Literally, it means to watch something something to protect it, like a soldier 'stands guard' in front of an important building. The soldier has to stay there until relieved by another soldier to take his place.

However, in a novel it may mean something less regimented than a soldier, so in this case 'they' may be standing around waiting for instructions from their boss, or waiting for people to relieve them so they can go home. But, because they are waiting at one place, it it looks like they are standing guard like a soldier might stand guard in one place..

Answers · 1

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!