0856 Stand your ground - English Idioms

Explanation

Maintain your position or decision firmly, especially when facing opposition or pressure.
Refuse to yield or change your mind.

Origin

Stand your ground: Likely originates from military contexts where soldiers were ordered to hold their position against an enemy attack.
It emphasizes staying put and resisting pressure. It has also become prominent in legal discussions around self-defense laws in some regions (like the US), meaning the right to use force without retreating first.
Stick to your guns: Also likely military, possibly referring to artillery soldiers staying with their cannons (guns) even when under attack, showing determination and loyalty to their post.
Dates back to at least the mid-19th century. Both idioms convey resolve and refusal to back down.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Don't fold (Like in poker, don't give up under pressure)
Hold your own (Successfully maintain your position against opposition)
Stay strong

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Don't take any shit (Don't accept mistreatment or pressure)
Tell them to fuck off (Aggressively reject opposition context dependent)

Milder:

Maintain your stance
Remain resolute
Stay the course

Situational Appropriateness

Appropriate in informal and semi-formal contexts (personal discussions, team meetings).
Can be used in professional settings to indicate resolve, though more formal phrasing like maintain our position might be preferred in some corporate cultures.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The legal meaning of stand your ground in some US states (related to self-defense) is distinct from its general idiomatic meaning of maintaining a position in an argument or decision. Context usually makes the meaning clear.

Examples

The committee tried to change her proposal, but she decided to stand her ground.
My family disagreed with my career choice, but I stuck to my guns and became a musician.
Even when they offered him more money, he stood his ground on his principles.

Dialogue

Anna: My colleagues want me to compromise on the project's quality standards to save time.

Ben: But you believe the quality is essential, right?

Anna: Absolutely. It reflects on our team's reputation.

Ben: Then you need to stick to your guns. Don't let them pressure you.

Anna: You're right. I'll stand my ground in the meeting. Thanks.

Response Patterns

Often met with encouragement: Good for you!, You have to!, Absolutely.
Or caution/disagreement: Are you sure?, That might be risky., Consider the consequences.
It's usually a statement of intent or description, not a question requiring a direct yes/no answer.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone states they will stand their ground/stick to their guns:

Questions like: What makes you so sure?, What do you expect will happen?, Is there anything I can do to support you?
The speaker usually proceeds with their determined course of action.

After receiving advice to stick to your guns:

Responses like: Thanks, I needed to hear that., I will., or expressing doubts, I know, but it's difficult.

Conversation Starter

No. Typically used within a discussion about conflict, decision-making, or facing pressure.

Intonation

Emphasis typically falls on stand and ground, or stick and guns.
The tone is usually firm, determined, and resolute.
STAND your GROUND. / STICK to your GUNS.

Generation Differences

Widely understood across generations. Stick to your guns might sound slightly more traditional than stand your ground to some younger people.

Regional Variations

Both are common in major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia).

Piece of cake

🎲 Put your foot down