If you stand pat in draw poker you're betting on the cards in your hand being better than any you're likely to draw. It didn't take long for stand pat to move from the poker table, where it first appeared in the late 1800s, to the realm of politics; by the early 20th century, to stand pat was to oppose any change in U.S. tariff policy. The term continues to be used mainly in U.S. English, where it's applied to everything from a coach's decision not to change out players during a game to a homeowner's decision not to refinance. The nouns standpatter ("one who resists or opposes change") and standpattism ("resistance to change" or "reluctance to take positive action") are also used, although generally only in political contexts.
Adjective the standpat chefs were having none of this low-calorie stuff that the food police were pushing
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There are many reasons to get a new smartphone – and there's some reasons to stand pat, too. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 9 Sep. 2022 Other key players including Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Mikal Bridges and Sixth Man of the Year finalist Cam Johnson, who were widely speculated to be part of the Durant trade talks, will likely stand pat. Dana Scott, The Arizona Republic, 24 Aug. 2022 Or stand pat with fewer teams and, presumably, a reduction of TV revenue as a result? Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 22 July 2022 If there is no team that presents a capable package for Durant, the organization will be best suited to stand pat and wait for an ultimatum. Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2022 But a representative for MLB told Robb Report that Shepherd’s departure wouldn’t necessarily mean Underbelly would stand pat. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 21 July 2022 There’s no way ownership will stand pat on a group that on paper will definitely be considered a playoff contender again next season. Ross Mckeon, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Apr. 2022 But Texas ultimately decided to stand pat, with the conference adding only Colorado and Utah. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2022 With Edmonds now moving on, Arizona could look to find a No.2 back behind Conner in free agency or next month’s draft or could stand pat. Bob Mcmanaman, The Arizona Republic, 14 Mar. 2022 See More