The Great Gatsby
MWhat is the meaning of "stand by" in the chapter IV of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I'd like to know the precise meaning of "stand by" in the following passage from the chapter IV of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, knowing that "retribution" means punishment:
“I’ll tell you God’s truth.” His right hand suddenly ordered divine retribution to stand by.
Does he raise his hand to delay or to communicate a sense of waiting to divine retribution? Or else, does it mean to be available and ready to act if needed or called upon? is it a little like saying "May God strike me dead if I lie"?
Thank you.