Sticks up for another or looks idly on? (6,2)
I believe the answer is:
stands by
'sticks' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't understand how they can define each other.
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stands by that I've seen before include "gives support" , "fails to intervene" , "Is supportive" , "Is available" , "Is ready" .)