Dig your heels/toes in
verb phrase
Refuse to change your decision or plan despite pressure to do so.
Despite the protests, the government dug its heels in and proceeded with the controversial plan.
Often appears as...
- dig one's heels in over something
- dig one's heels in and refuse
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
Impede progress, especially by being stubborn or resistant.
The negotiations were going well until John dug his heels in and refused to compromise.
Often appears as...
- dig one's heels in and impede
- dig one's heels in during negotiation
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
Refuse to change your decision or plan despite pressure to do so.
Despite the protests, the government dug its heels in and proceeded with the controversial plan.
Often appears as...
- dig one's heels in over something
- dig one's heels in and refuse
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
Impede progress, especially by being stubborn or resistant.
The negotiations were going well until John dug his heels in and refused to compromise.
Often appears as...
- dig one's heels in and impede
- dig one's heels in during negotiation
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Used when the person is emotionally invested in their stance and refuses to budge.
She dug her heels in, determined not to let her team down.
Pro Tip 2/3Power Struggle
Often implies a conflict where one party exerts control by not changing their position.
During the debate, he dug his heels in, challenging his opponent's arguments.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Can suggest stubbornness or obstinacy, which may be viewed unfavorably.
Despite everyone's advice, she dug her heels in and risked her savings.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Used when the person is emotionally invested in their stance and refuses to budge.
She dug her heels in, determined not to let her team down.
Pro Tip 2/3Power Struggle
Often implies a conflict where one party exerts control by not changing their position.
During the debate, he dug his heels in, challenging his opponent's arguments.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Can suggest stubbornness or obstinacy, which may be viewed unfavorably.
Despite everyone's advice, she dug her heels in and risked her savings.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Used when the person is emotionally invested in their stance and refuses to budge.
She dug her heels in, determined not to let her team down.
Pro Tip 2/3Power Struggle
Often implies a conflict where one party exerts control by not changing their position.
During the debate, he dug his heels in, challenging his opponent's arguments.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Can suggest stubbornness or obstinacy, which may be viewed unfavorably.
Despite everyone's advice, she dug her heels in and risked her savings.
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