- To persevere or continue doing something difficult, unpleasant, or boring until it is finished.
- To endure a situation without quitting.
Explanation
Origin
- The origin is likely related to the idea of sticking to something, meaning adhering or staying attached.
- Sticking it out implies remaining attached to a task or situation through its completion, especially when it becomes tough.
- Out refers to the end or conclusion of the period or task.
- Usage dates back to the mid-19th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Grind it out. (Focuses on the hard work aspect)
- Keep on truckin'. (Older slang, keep going)
- Just gotta power through. (See #0561)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- (Less common to use vulgarity specifically for perseverance itself, more often for expressing the difficulty: This fucking sucks, but I gotta stick it out.)
Milder:
- Keep going.
- Don't give up.
- Try to be patient.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Generally seen as encouraging, but can sometimes sound dismissive of the difficulty if the tone is wrong.
- Appropriate in most personal and many professional contexts (e.g., encouraging a colleague through a tough project).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Could be misunderstood literally (physically sticking something out).
- The main nuance is understanding it implies enduring something difficult, not just continuing any task.
Examples
- The first year of med school is tough, but you just have to stick it out.
- I hate this job, but I'm going to stick it out until I find something better.
- The weather was awful, but we stuck it out and finished the hike.
Dialogue
Liam: Ugh, this internship is mostly making coffee and copies. I'm thinking of quitting.
Chloe: I know it's not glamorous, but it's only for the summer. Try to stick it out. It'll look good on your resume.
Liam: Yeah, you're probably right. I'll just try to learn what I can.
Chloe: Exactly. Just stick it out.
Social Media Examples
- Post: Week 3 of the coding bootcamp is killing me, but I'm determined to stick it out! #codinglife #nevergiveup
- Reply to someone complaining: Hang in there! Just stick it out, you'll get through it.
- Fitness motivation: That last mile was brutal, but I stuck it out. Feeling proud! #running #fitness
Response Patterns
- Agreement/Determination: Yeah, I will., I know, I just need to keep going.
- Doubt/Complaint: I don't know if I can., It's just so hard/boring.
- Seeking encouragement: Do you really think I can do it?
- Sharing the burden: We'll stick it out together.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After encouraging someone to stick it out:
- Offering support: I'm here for you if you need anything., Let me know how I can help.
- Reminding them of the goal: Think about how great it will feel when you're done.
- Sharing similar experiences: I went through something similar, and it was worth it.
After deciding to stick it out:
- Seeking advice on how to cope: Any tips for getting through this?
- Expressing determination: Okay, I'm committed.
- Venting frustration but reaffirming commitment: This sucks, but I'm not quitting.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Usually advice or a statement of intent within a discussion about a difficult situation.
Intonation
- Often said with encouragement or resignation.
- Emphasis usually falls on stick and out. STICK it OUT.
- Can have a slightly weary tone if the speaker is also enduring something.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
- Perhaps feels slightly more traditional, but still common.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.