to take a position in opposition to someone or something; to oppose or resist someone or something. The treasurer was forced to take a stand against the board because of its wasteful spending. The treasurer took a stand, and others agreed.
to publicly express an opinion about something, especially to say whether you support or are against something (usually + on ) Many politicians fail to take a stand on equal rights for women.
Adopt a firm position about an issue, as in She was more than willing to take a stand on abortion rights. This idiom alludes to the military sense of stand, "hold one's ground against an enemy." [Mid-1800s] Also see make a stand.