stand on tiptoe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand on tiptoe" is used in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of someone standing on their toes to reach something that is higher up. For example: She reached out and grabbed the book off the shelf, having to stand on tiptoe to get it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"The two best exercises in the world are making love and dancing but a simple one is to stand on tiptoe".

The Guardian

Hold me, dear, while I stand on tiptoe and offer this blossom to Love, the divine.

The New York Times

I stand on tiptoe to peer over dykes and turn – gingerly – to watch terns divebomb.

The Guardian - Travel

/ This is the time when hikers on Inverness Ridge / Stand on tiptoe to pick ripe huckleberries / That the deer can't reach.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It had such tall ceilings that to change a light bulb in the hanging lamp I'd climb a five-foot stepladder, then stand on tiptoe atop its rickety pinnacle, arms flapping, fighting for balance.

The New Yorker

But linking hands as they stand on tiptoe and take tiny steps in place or aiming their bodies along the diagonal in arabesques, they are above all a ballet corps.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Le Vivier is 10 minutes' walk from the beach, though if you stand on tiptoes you can see the sea.

The Guardian - Travel

Occasionally, he even expresses a desire to be short again, which probably explains why he asks his mother to stand on tiptoes whenever she's next to him.

The New York Times

They stand on tiptoes to peer through vehicle windows in an attempt to charm drivers out of a dollar or two.

The Guardian

There comes a whirring sound and a clunk and everyone strains to see: women stand on tiptoes, babies are held aloft.

The Guardian - Arts

A Whitmanesque mystic who loved costumes and pageantry, he exhorted his colleagues: "Let us stand on tiptoes, forgetting the nearer things and grasp what we may".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "Stand on tiptoe" suggests a temporary or effortful action. If someone is naturally tall, avoid this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "stand on tiptoe" when describing metaphorical attempts to achieve something great. This phrase is best reserved for physical actions involving actual tiptoes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand on tiptoe" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing a specific physical action. It often includes an implied or explicit subject performing the action. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand on tiptoe" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of elevating oneself on the toes. Ludwig AI confirms its active use in modern English, primarily within news and media, but also present in scientific and formal business publications. While its primary function is descriptive, conveying a visual image, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Related phrases include "rise on one's toes" and "stretch upwards", offering alternative ways to express similar actions. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the literal, physical action of standing on tiptoes and avoid using it in purely metaphorical senses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rise on one's toes

Focuses on the action of elevating oneself using the toes.

stand on one's toes

Highlights balancing and standing using toes.

reach on tiptoe

Emphasizes the act of reaching something while on tiptoe.

stretch upwards

Indicates extending the body to gain height, but doesn't specifically mention toes.

peek over

Focuses on looking over something, implying a need to gain height.

crane one's neck

Involves stretching the neck to see better, often implying straining to see.

look over

Suggests looking from a higher position. It does not have the same meaning but conveys a sense of looking from above.

peer upwards

Highlights the act of looking intently upwards to get a better view.

elevate oneself

Describes the action of lifting one's body, though not necessarily onto the toes.

tower over

Implies being significantly taller, providing a higher vantage point.

FAQs

How can I use "stand on tiptoe" in a sentence?

You can use "stand on tiptoe" to describe the action of someone rising up on their toes, usually to see or reach something. For example, "She had to "stand on tiptoe" to see over the crowd".

What's a more descriptive way to say "stand on tiptoe"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "rise on one's toes" or "stretch upwards" to add nuance to the description.

Is it correct to say "stand on my tiptoes" or "stand on tiptoe"?

Both are technically correct, but ""stand on tiptoe"" is more common and generally preferred. Using "tiptoes" implies using both toes, which is the typical action.

What does it mean to "stand on tiptoe" metaphorically?

While primarily a physical action, ""stand on tiptoe"" can metaphorically suggest straining or making an extra effort to achieve something, although it is less common than the literal usage.