hold your ground

USAGE SUMMARY

'hold your ground' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to express the idea of remaining resolute, refusing to back down, or not giving up. For example, "My boss was angry, but I held my ground and refused to accept their demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hold your ground, teachers.

The New York Times

You've got to hold your ground".

The New York Times - Sports

Hold your ground in this line?

The New Yorker

Hold your ground; if you're not folding, then stay put!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Instead, be direct and straightforward and hold your ground.

Harvard Business Review

Just stop in your tracks, and hold your ground with a weary smile.

The New York Times

The only way to deal with this is to hold your ground.

The New York Times - Arts

Hold your ground, keep going – and stay true to your principles.

The Guardian

"I come from a very hardcore sarcastic family, and if you can't hold your ground you need to shut up.

The Guardian - Music

(Hold your ground, raise your arms above your head, make a noise, fight for your life if the animal attacks).

The Economist

The reader may wonder whether you really have the ammunition and firepower needed to hold your ground.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold your ground" when you want to convey a sense of resilience and determination in the face of opposition. For example, in negotiations or arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "hold your ground" in contexts where it might be interpreted as being unnecessarily stubborn or aggressive. Consider softening the phrase if the situation requires diplomacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold your ground" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It typically acts as an imperative, encouraging someone to maintain their position or resist pressure. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is widely used in various contexts to convey determination and resilience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

28%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold your ground" is a commonly used phrase that means to stand firm and resist pressure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the potential for misinterpretation as aggression and adjust accordingly. Alternative phrases like "stand firm" or "stay resolute" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. Overall, understanding the context is crucial for effectively using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand your ground

Similar, with a nuance of defending territory or beliefs.

stand firm

Emphasizes resolute and unwavering conviction.

stay resolute

Underlines determination and unwavering resolve.

maintain your stance

Emphasizes consistency and refusal to compromise.

remain steadfast

Highlights unwavering commitment and resilience.

hold the line

Often used in military or team contexts, implies maintaining a defensive barrier.

defend your position

Highlights the act of protecting an argument or viewpoint.

stay put

Focuses on maintaining a physical location or position.

don't back down

An informal way of saying to continue to defend your position.

resist pressure

Focuses on opposing external forces or demands.

FAQs

What does "hold your ground" mean?

The phrase "hold your ground" means to maintain your position, refuse to retreat, or stand firm in the face of opposition or pressure. It implies resilience and determination.

When is it appropriate to use "hold your ground"?

It's appropriate to use "hold your ground" when you want to convey a sense of determination and refusal to back down, such as in negotiations, arguments, or situations where you need to defend your position.

What are some alternatives to saying "hold your ground"?

You can use alternatives like "stand firm", "stay resolute", or "maintain your stance" depending on the context.

Is "hold your ground" formal or informal?

The phrase "hold your ground" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in less formal settings.