what does "stead" mean in this sentence?
”his canny ability to read the room put him in good stead with the teachers, but at home, he seemed constantly irritated. ”

is "in good stead with sb" a set phrase?

Question

what does "stead" mean in this sentence?
”his canny ability to read the room put him in good stead with the teachers, but at home, he seemed constantly irritated. ”

is "in good stead with sb" a set phrase?

Answer

stead is a somewhat old word that means "standing or place". You find it in older phrases like the one you mentioned, and in compound words: homestead (can mean home or the land), instead (in place of)... there are others. You'll see it in some town names, as well.

Answer

In this situation, "to be in good stead" means to be "in a good position" or "to have a good reputation with someone."

Answer

He was well regarded by his teachers. In good standing. They hold him in high esteem. They think well of him.

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