fail to budge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to budge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something does not move or change position, often in a stubborn or unyielding manner. Example: "Despite numerous attempts to persuade him, he continued to fail to budge on his decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their rods fail to budge.

The New York Times - Sports

Though they again fail to budge the Parks Department boat, they think that the combination of their pushing from the front and the other boat towing with a rope from the back will dislodge it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But if he fails to budge, Montenegro might then secede.

The Economist

So far, that sales pitch has failed to budge the Fed.

The New York Times

But when the polls failed to budge, the brief flirtation with modernizing moderation ended.

The New York Times

"How about $1.325?" the auctioneer, Michael Fine, asked after several requests for $1.35 million had failed to budge the buyers.

The New York Times

The press and politics have failed to budge public opinion, and the courts have failed as well".

The Guardian

Mediation efforts, first by the Costa Rican president, ?car Arias, and then by the State Department, failed to budge the de facto president, Roberto Micheletti.

The New York Times

Four years of half-hearted diplomatic efforts and pinprick-bombing strikes had failed to budge the Bosnian Serbs who held Sarajevo in a chokehold.

The New York Times

After President Clinton failed to budge the parties from their stalemate over the status of Jerusalem last week, the peace effort arrived at a serious impasse.

The New York Times

The law had failed to budge the N.C.A.A., which reaffirmed to state officials that the university could not host or participate in an N.C.A.A. postseason game as the Fighting Sioux.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fail to budge" to describe situations where something or someone stubbornly resists movement or change, particularly when efforts have been made to influence them.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to budge" when describing neutral or expected lack of movement. The phrase carries a connotation of resistance or unwillingness to change, so it's inappropriate if there's no expectation of movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to budge" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe the lack of movement or change in response to some force or influence. Ludwig examples show how this phrase is used in contexts where resistance or unwillingness to change is emphasized.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fail to budge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, predominantly found in News & Media, to describe a lack of movement or resistance to change. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is used to convey stubbornness or unwillingness to yield. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the connotation of resistance when employing this phrase, as it may not be suitable for neutral contexts. Alternatives such as "refuse to yield" or "remain unmoved" can provide nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to yield

Indicates a firm unwillingness to change one's position or opinion.

remain unmoved

Implies a lack of emotional or intellectual impact, suggesting steadfastness.

stand firm

Emphasizes a resolute stance against pressure or influence.

not give way

Highlights the inability to be pushed or persuaded to change direction.

hold one's ground

Suggests a defensive posture, maintaining a position despite opposition.

be unyielding

Describes an inflexible and resistant attitude to change or persuasion.

not budge an inch

An idiom emphasizing complete resistance to even minor changes.

prove immovable

Focuses on the resistance to physical or metaphorical movement.

defy persuasion

Directly indicates an active resistance to being convinced.

resist change

Highlights a general opposition to alterations or modifications.

FAQs

How can I use "fail to budge" in a sentence?

You can use "fail to budge" to describe a situation where something or someone is resistant to movement or change, as in "Despite the pressure, the door "refused to open"" or "The company "would not compromise" during negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "fail to budge"?

Alternatives include "refuse to yield", "remain unmoved", or "stand firm", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "fail to budge" in formal or informal contexts?

"Fail to budge" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but is more frequently seen in news and media. Consider your audience and the specific tone you want to convey.

What does it imply when something "fails to budge"?

It implies a strong resistance to change or movement, often suggesting a stubborn or unyielding quality. It suggests that there was an attempt to move or influence it, which "proved unsuccessful".