standby

/ˈstændbaɪ/ noun [C] (plural standbys)

Definition

› someone or something extra that is ready to be used if needed: We kept our old TV as a standby in case the new one broke.

be on standby › to be ready to do something or to be used if needed: Police were on standby in case there was any trouble after the game.

(Definition of standby noun from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

to express disagreement or refuse to do something

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