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stick to your guns

Register · Informal CEFR B2
Post

Figurative meaning

to refuse to change your position under pressure

Why this phrase?

A soldier is pictured holding his position and firing rather than retreating; the phrase extends to holding an opinion.

Example

“She stuck to her guns despite fierce criticism.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Related idioms

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

hang in there Informal · CEFR B1
to persevere and not give up despite difficulty
stay the course Neutral · CEFR B1
to continue with a plan despite difficulties or doubt
put your foot down Informal · CEFR B2
to assert your authority firmly
pay your dues Neutral · CEFR C1
to endure hard, unglamorous work early on as the price of later success

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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