stay back
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To remain (at work, school, organisation, country, etc.) after normal hours
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Many of these students, in fact, do stay back and work in Singapore after their studies are over.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To keep one's distance from a place, often because of some danger.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “stay back” mean?
To remain (at work, school, organisation, country, etc.) after normal hours
Is “stay back” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.