# dig one's heels in

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dig-ones-heels-in
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

to refuse to change one's plans or ideas, especially when counseled otherwise

## Examples

- He digs his heels in whenever I suggest a new plan.
- Even though the team presented better options, the manager dug his heels in and refused to change the project deadline.
- Despite the mounting evidence that his strategy was failing, the CEO dug his heels in, stubbornly rejecting any advice from his board of directors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.