Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
* "Ceremony" refers to formal or traditional practices, often associated with social etiquette.
* "Stand on" implies adhering strictly to these formalities.
Essentially, someone who "stands on ceremony" is very concerned with following proper protocol, even if it means being rigid or inflexible.
Examples:
* "Don't stand on ceremony, just come in and make yourself comfortable." (meaning: Don't worry about being formal, just relax)
* "He was so formal, he stood on ceremony even when ordering a cup of coffee." (meaning: He was unnecessarily polite and rigid, even in a casual situation)
Opposite:
* Informal
* Casual
* Relaxed
* Easygoing
In essence, "stand on ceremony" is about being too concerned with appearances and formalities.