dig your heels in
Meaning
To refuse to change your mind or give way; to become stubborn and resist pressure.
Origin
From the physical act of digging your heels into the ground to stop yourself being pushed or pulled, a metaphor for resisting persuasion or change.
Notes
Often implies stubborn resistance (slightly negative). Used in disagreements/negotiations when someone won’t yield. Fairly informal; can sound critical if aimed at a person.
Examples
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When we suggested a compromise, he dug his heels in and refused to budge.
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The landlord dug her heels in over the rent increase.
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I tried to negotiate, but they just dug their heels in.
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Once the committee digs its heels in, it’s hard to get anything changed.
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Don’t dig your heels in—listen to what everyone is saying first.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed idiom: “dig your heels in” / “dig in your heels.” Pronoun can change (his/her/their). Verb inflects (dug, digging). Often followed by “on/over/about + issue.”
Synonyms
- stand your ground
- hold firm
- refuse to budge
- dig in
- be obstinate
Antonyms
- give in
- back down
- yield
- relent
- compromise