jemandem die Stange halten
to stand up for / back / support someone
Origin
Probably comes from knightly single combat or tournaments: when a fallen fighter surrendered, his helper (the 'Grieswart') pushed a pole between the opponents to protect him from further blows.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
Grammar that uses this word
- Verbs with zu-infinitive (anfangen, versuchen, vergessen)Verben mit zu-Infinitiv (anfangen, versuchen, vergessen)
- Reported speech / subjunctive I (er sagt, er sei / habe)Indirekte Rede / Konjunktiv I (er sagt, er sei / habe)
- Passive replacement: sich lassen + infinitivePassiversatz: sich lassen + Infinitiv
- Connector 'sofern' (provided that)Konnektor 'sofern'
Examples
Auch als sie waren, hat ihr ihr die gehalten.
Even when everyone was against her, her boss stood up for her.