dig heels in
dig heels in
Meaning
- to be firm and resolute about something
- to take a stand by resisting
- to be unyielding
- to be obstinate about something
- to insist to a level where the other side has to give up, but not with a popular opinion of the issue
- usually referred as stubbornness and hard-headedness about something
Example Sentences
- The businessman was digging heels about buying these stocks even though all of his business partners were against it. They finally had to give him his way.
- I suggested it would be quicker to fly, but he dug his heels in and insisted on travelling by a bus.
- Although it would have been easier to fly to the destination, my uncle dug heels on going by train because it would be cheaper.
- The politician dug heels about making the whole agenda about women’s safety this time. Hopefully they will be able to come up with practical solutions to the problem.
- I was digging heels to enter into the commerce stream even though my family wanted me to go for science.
- Although it seemed that he was digging heels about taking this vacation, now that I am here, I am enjoying it quite a lot too.
- It is either dig heels or obey the commands in this family. Nothing else works.
Origin
The literary origin of this phrase cannot be traced accurately.
the die is cast ❯❮ a dime a dozen
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English Grammar
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3 Thoughts
This phrase is an indirect reference to a stubborn-mule ‘digging in his heels’, when its owner is trying to make him to keep moving forward (towards a destination, implied)
- Anonymous August 4, 2021
When competing in “tug-of-war” the easiest way to prevent being moved from your position is to dig in your heels.
- Colin September 4, 2020
Dig heels in means refuse to do something.
- Anonymous March 5, 2020