refuse to budge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to budge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is unwilling to change their position or opinion on a matter. Example: "Despite the negotiations, the union leaders refuse to budge on their demands for better working conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some franchisors flatly refuse to budge from the standard template.

The New York Times

As the competition gets underway, some robots crash while others just refuse to budge at all.

University of California, Berkeley

The Russians might refuse to budge, and react with even more violence.

Independent

Most comply, but a number of stubborn souls refuse to budge, the authorities say.

The New York Times

But he adds that, if employers refuse to budge, then he will have no other choice.

The Economist

Foreign policy experts will express outrage, and Mr. Trump, ever defiant, will refuse to budge.

The New York Times

Some residents refuse to budge when Ms. Allen and Ms. Martin knock.

The New York Times - Science

That would appear to be a bow to widespread condemnation – and the reality that the artists refuse to budge.

Independent

So in the last decade, Levi's changed its tune — rather than refuse to budge from its classic 501s.

The Washington Post

I think the pressure has to be put where it belongs, that is on the Palestinians who refuse to budge.

The Guardian

It's about finding places where you are not dependent on adversaries who refuse to budge, or who benefit from demonstrating their hostility to the U.S".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, specify why someone refuses to budge. For example: "The company refused to budge on its environmental policy despite public outcry."

Common error

Avoid using "refuse to budge" too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make you sound overly rigid or confrontational. Opt for softer alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to budge" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an individual's or group's unwillingness to change their stance or opinion. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which classifies the phrase as correct and provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refuse to budge" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a strong unwillingness to change one's position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While it carries a neutral register, care should be taken not to overuse it in informal settings to avoid sounding overly rigid. Strong alternatives include "stand firm" or "remain steadfast". Common usage errors can be avoided by considering softer alternatives in casual contexts. Be certain to specify why someone refuses to budge when using this phrase to add clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand firm

Emphasizes resilience and determination in maintaining a position.

remain steadfast

Highlights unwavering commitment and loyalty to a particular viewpoint or course of action.

hold one's ground

Suggests a defensive posture, maintaining one's position against opposition.

dig in one's heels

Implies stubborn resistance to change or pressure.

be unyielding

Focuses on the inflexibility and rigidity of a person's stance.

not give an inch

Indicates a complete unwillingness to compromise or concede even slightly.

stay resolute

Conveys a sense of determination and unwavering purpose.

maintain one's position

A more formal way of saying to keep one's viewpoint or physical location.

decline to compromise

Highlights the active choice not to find a middle ground.

resist change

Focuses on the opposition to any form of alteration or modification.

FAQs

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

You can use "refuse to budge" to describe someone's unwillingness to change their opinion or position. For example, "The negotiator "refused to budge" on the key terms of the contract."

What's a more formal way to say "refuse to budge"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "remain steadfast", "stand firm", or "maintain one's position" instead of "refuse to budge".

Is it better to say "refuse to budge" or "unwilling to budge"?

Both phrases are correct, but "refuse to budge" implies a stronger and more active resistance, while "unwilling to budge" simply indicates a lack of desire to change.

What does it mean to "dig in one's heels" when someone "refuses to budge"?

To "dig in one's heels" is an idiom that means to become even more determined and resistant to change, reinforcing their refusal to budge.