控える

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 控える, read ひかえる, uses the restraint or standby stem 控 in a verb for holding back or waiting nearby.
• Basic usage: 甘い飲み物を控える means refraining, while 舞台の袖で控える means waiting on standby.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing meanings
  • The reduced object takes を, while the standby location takes で; particles and context distinguish the senses.