stand against (someone or something)
1. Literally, to lean against someone or something while standing. Please don't stand against that, it could topple over! We stood against one another back to back while we waited in line.
2. To oppose or defy someone or something. Hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets to stand against the government's decision. Anyone in this country who stands against the viceroy risks their very life.
3. To compete against someone or something, especially for a political election. The popular district attorney announced his intention to stand against the incumbent mayor in the election this fall.