stand up and be counted

Idioms & Phrases

stand up and be counted

Reveal one's convictions or opinions, especially when it requires courage to do so. For example, Stop muttering your complaints about the music; stand up and be counted if you want something changed. The counted in this expression alludes to having one's vote on a matter acknowledged. [c. 1900]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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