stand on ceremony, to
Definition: To insist on behaving or being treated with formal politeness. The term “stand on” relates to insisting or remaining steadfast rather than literally standing. An early usage is found in Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey” (1798): “I never stand upon ceremony.”
🏛️ Let’s Explore Further 🏛️
—Similar Terms and Phrases:
- Keep up appearances: To maintain an outward show of dignity or decency, often to hide a less respectable reality.
- Mind one’s Ps and Qs: To be on your best behavior, being careful in speech and actions.
- Follow protocol: Adhering strictly to official procedures or rules.
—Proverbs and Expressions:
- “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”: Adapt to the customs of the place where you are.
- “Courtesy costs nothing”: Polite behavior is free but valuable, influencing social interactions.
—Synonyms:
- Act/Formal
- Insist on formalities
- Be ceremonious
—Humor-Filled Quote:
- “To avoid accidents, don’t stand on ceremony in revolving doors!” —Anonymously Witty
—Literature & Media:
- Books:
- “Northanger Abbey” by Jane Austen for a quintessential British twist on social formalities.
- “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde, a comedy flogging the same ceremonial formality but with a delightful twist.
- Movies:
- “The Remains of the Day,” exploring a butler’s exemplary adherence to formality.
- “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf, a detailed peek into the lives of high-society individuals and their ceremonious lives.
- Songs:
- “Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles: A fun commentary on love versus social niceties.
- “Good Manners” by Visible Cloaks: A blissful musical take on decorum.
Time For Some Fun! 🌟
### Which of these expressions mean the same as "standing on ceremony"?
- [ ] Jumping the gun
- [x] Mind one's Ps and Qs
- [ ] Spill the beans
- [ ] Wear one's heart on one's sleeve
> **Explanation:** "Mind one's Ps and Qs" means to be meticulous about one's behavior, which aligns well with the concept of standing on ceremony.
### True or False: "Stand on ceremony" first appeared in Jane Austen's 'Northanger Abbey'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Indeed, one of the earliest uses of this phrase dates back to Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey" (1798).
### How might you ask someone to ignore formalities using a common idiom?
- [x] Don't stand on ceremony
- [ ] Let's break a leg
- [ ] Mind your beeswax
- [ ] Cut to the chase
> **Explanation:** "Don't stand on ceremony" is the perfect request to drop formalities and proceed informally, while the others hold quite different meanings.
Remember, dear reader, while standing on ceremony might be necessary at times, life is too short to be uptight. Breaking protocol occasionally can lead to the most enchanted experiences.
Stay whimsical, keep the charm floating, and never fear a touch of informality! 🌟
— Reginald Rites, 2023
