stand and die

[keannu]

Does this "stand" here mean "endure or survive something"?

mo43)On his way to Thermopylae, Leonidas picked up 7,000 troops in addition to his own 300. However, they
did not believe in the Spartan phrase “stand and die” and most fled or surrendered once the fighting began. It was up to Leonidas and his 300 Spartan soldiers to hold back the force of 200,000 battletrained Persians.

 

[Gillnetter]

Does this "stand" here mean "endure or survive something"?

mo43)On his way to Thermopylae, Leonidas picked up 7,000 troops in addition to his own 300. However, they
did not believe in the Spartan phrase “stand and die” and most fled or surrendered once the fighting began. It was up to Leonidas and his 300 Spartan soldiers to hold back the force of 200,000 battletrained Persians.

A better phrase would be "fight and die". The Spartans were notable for not retreating from a battle. They were taught to fight until they were killed.

 

[SoothingDave]

"Stand" like "stand your ground," refuse to be moved, hold your position, don't run away.

 

[5jj]

'Stand and die' has been used by many people, from the Spartans to Hitler.

 

[BobK]

:up:

Does this "stand" here mean "endure or survive something"?

...

Indeed no. Some of them may have survived - I read that story in Latin about 45 years ago, and didn't understand a word of it!) But most died.

b