| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Blossom
Joined: 30 May 2005 Posts: 291 Location: Beijing China
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 3:30 pm Post subject: Take the stand |
|
|
| I have just learned from a dictionary of idioms that to take the stand means to sit in a chair in a court of law. Why is it called taking the stand when you sit? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
bud
Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 2111 Location: New Jersey, US
|
Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2006 12:03 pm Post subject: |
|
|
There are very many different meanings of "stand." Clearly in this expression it does not mean to support oneself on ones feet.
One sense of "stand" is "platform." Usually the chair the witness sits in is on a platform so that he can be seen easily by the jury. I'd guess that this is the meaning in the expression. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
|