Hold/stand your ground
verb phrase
To refuse to change your decisions or opinions, regardless of pressure.
Despite the criticisms, the artist held her ground and continued her project.
Often appears as...
- hold your ground against
- stand your ground in
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
In law, to have a right to use deadly force for self-protection without an obligation to retreat first.
In many states, the 'Stand Your Ground' law allows people to defend themselves using necessary force.
Often appears as...
- stand your ground law
- invoke stand your ground
Usage tips
Neutral
Technical
verb phrase
In a battle or competition, to refuse to retreat or give up.
The soldiers were outnumbered, but they stood their ground.
Often appears as...
- stand your ground in battle
- stand your ground against opponents
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To refuse to change your decisions or opinions, regardless of pressure.
Despite the criticisms, the artist held her ground and continued her project.
Often appears as...
- hold your ground against
- stand your ground in
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
In law, to have a right to use deadly force for self-protection without an obligation to retreat first.
In many states, the 'Stand Your Ground' law allows people to defend themselves using necessary force.
Often appears as...
- stand your ground law
- invoke stand your ground
Usage tips
Neutral
Technical
verb phrase
In a battle or competition, to refuse to retreat or give up.
The soldiers were outnumbered, but they stood their ground.
Often appears as...
- stand your ground in battle
- stand your ground against opponents
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Assertiveness
Usually implies strong self-confidence. You defend your opinion without being aggressive.
The manager tried to intimidate him, but he held his ground.
Pro Tip 2/3Social Pressure
Often used when someone resists changing their stance despite group pressure.
Even though everyone else agreed, she stood her ground and didn't concede.
Pro Tip 3/3Moral Conviction
Can suggest holding onto beliefs that are ethical or have personal significance.
He held his ground on his vegan beliefs despite ridicule.
Pro Tip 1/3Assertiveness
Usually implies strong self-confidence. You defend your opinion without being aggressive.
The manager tried to intimidate him, but he held his ground.
Pro Tip 2/3Social Pressure
Often used when someone resists changing their stance despite group pressure.
Even though everyone else agreed, she stood her ground and didn't concede.
Pro Tip 3/3Moral Conviction
Can suggest holding onto beliefs that are ethical or have personal significance.
He held his ground on his vegan beliefs despite ridicule.
Pro Tip 1/3Assertiveness
Usually implies strong self-confidence. You defend your opinion without being aggressive.
The manager tried to intimidate him, but he held his ground.
Pro Tip 2/3Social Pressure
Often used when someone resists changing their stance despite group pressure.
Even though everyone else agreed, she stood her ground and didn't concede.
Pro Tip 3/3Moral Conviction
Can suggest holding onto beliefs that are ethical or have personal significance.
He held his ground on his vegan beliefs despite ridicule.
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