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.
Share your opinions3 Opinions
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