must not flinch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must not flinch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey the idea of not showing fear or hesitation in a challenging situation. Example: "In the face of adversity, one must not flinch if they wish to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We must not flinch.

Independent

The dog must not flinch as the birds take flight and must stand staunch until released by the handler.

The New York Times

The I.R.S. must not flinch from its duty to enforce the tax code and root out political operatives who are abusing the law and conning taxpayers and voters.

The New York Times

At the same time, the commander in chief must not flinch from recognizing the human cost to Americans; a moment of silence for coalition and Iraqi casualties would be in order.

The New York Times

She added: "We must not flinch, we must not shy away from our responsibility".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We mustn't flinch from the truth, otherwise we'll dance with our eyes closed over the cliff and right into the abyss".

Vice

But if Minister Kasukuwere is to be the saviour of the elephants, he must punish the buyers too, and not flinch at the possibility of poisoning the poachers themselves - the life of a poacher who cannot think of the future beyond a few hundred dollars surely deserves poison too?

BBC

Democratic leaders must assess the merits of this claim, but should not flinch lightly from taking the tougher approach.

The New York Times

He should keep his visit as brief as possible and not flinch from telling General Musharraf what he must do to win American and world respect.

The New York Times

She does not flinch.

The New Yorker

Champions do not flinch.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must not flinch" when you want to convey a sense of unwavering resolve and determination in the face of adversity. It's particularly effective in situations where courage and steadfastness are essential.

Common error

Avoid using "must not flinch" in everyday, casual situations. The phrase carries a strong, formal tone, and using it inappropriately can sound overdramatic or unnatural. Consider more relaxed alternatives like "don't give up" or "stay strong" for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must not flinch" functions as an imperative construction, urging unwavering resolve. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears in contexts where maintaining courage is paramount. It conveys a sense of duty to remain steadfast.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must not flinch" is a call to unwavering resolve, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal tones. Related phrases such as "must stand firm" and "cannot waver" offer similar meanings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining courage in the face of adversity. Remember to reserve its use for contexts that merit a strong and determined tone. While infrequent, its impact in conveying steadfastness remains powerful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must stay resolute

Stresses the importance of maintaining a firm and unwavering resolve.

cannot waver

Focuses on the inability to falter or hesitate, stressing the need for consistency.

must stand firm

Highlights the importance of maintaining a strong and unwavering position.

cannot give way

Similar to "should not yield", emphasizing the inability to collapse or surrender.

should not yield

Suggests a potential pressure to give in, emphasizing the importance of resistance.

cannot back down

Focuses on not retreating from a commitment or stance, highlighting determination.

should remain steadfast

Emphasizes a moral obligation to stay firm, differing slightly in tone from a command.

should hold the line

Emphasizes maintaining a defensive position, indicating resistance against pressure.

must persevere

Highlights continuing despite difficulty.

should keep fighting

Highlights continuing the fight despite difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "must not flinch" in a sentence?

You can use "must not flinch" to emphasize the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of adversity. For example: "In the face of criticism, we "must not flinch" from our commitment to justice."

What are some alternatives to saying "must not flinch"?

Alternatives to "must not flinch" include phrases like "should remain steadfast", "must stand firm", or "cannot waver", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "must not flinch" and "should not flinch"?

"Must not flinch" implies a stronger obligation or necessity, whereas "should not flinch" suggests a recommendation or advisability. "Must" conveys a higher degree of imperative than "should".

Is "must not flinch" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "must not flinch" is appropriate for formal writing where a strong sense of resolve and determination needs to be conveyed. It's often found in speeches, policy statements, and other contexts that require a firm and unwavering tone.