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stay put
/steɪ pʊt/
remain in place
The doctor told the patient to stay put while the test results were being analyzed.
The doctor instructed the patient not to move or leave the area while waiting for test results.
informal
To remain in a particular place without moving or leaving
Despite the chaos, the security guard ordered everyone to stay put until further instructions were given.
The guard commanded people not to move or leave their positions during the chaotic situation.
The cat stayed put on the windowsill, watching the birds outside.
The cat remained on the windowsill without moving, observing the birds.
Often used to emphasize that someone should not move or leave a place, especially in situations where movement is discouraged or prohibited.
Collocations
stay put and waitto remain in place while waitingstay put for safetyto remain in place to avoid danger
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use 'stay put' when you want to emphasize that someone should not move from their current location, especially in situations where movement could be dangerous or disruptive.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
While 'stay put' is informal, you can use more formal alternatives like 'remain in place' or 'hold your position' in professional or formal settings.
Word Origin
The phrase combines the verb 'stay' (to remain in a place) with 'put' (to place or position something), emphasizing the idea of remaining stationary.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to instruct someone to remain in a specific location, often for safety or practical reasons.
Word Breakdown
stay
to remain in a place
verbput
to place or position something
verbEnglish Dictionary