ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dig in one's heels

idiom
Meaning

To act in a determined manner by firmly maintaining one's beliefs, demands, situation, etc. in the face of opposition.


Origin

disputed origin

From firmly placing one’s heels in the ground, particularly in tug of war (pulling) or when bracing oneself (pushing). Compare drag one's feet (“act slowly, from lack of enthusiasm or to delay”).

Examples
SIMPLE

He digs in his heels when he disagrees with his boss.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager wanted to change the schedule, but the team dug in their heels and refused to work weekends.

COMPLEX

Despite the mounting pressure from the board to compromise, the CEO dug in her heels, insisting that the original vision for the company remain unchanged.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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