Supports and awaits instructions (6,2)
I believe the answer is:
stands by
'supports and awaits instructions' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'supports and awaits instructions' is the wordplay.
'supports' becomes 'stands' (stand is a kind of support).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'awaits instructions' becomes 'by' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'stands'+'by'='STANDS BY'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stands by that I've seen before include "gives support" , "Is supportive" , "Holds oneself in readiness" , "fails to intervene" , "Is ready" .)