stick to your guns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stick to your guns" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to encourage someone to remain determined, brave, and firm in spite of difficulties or opposition. For example: "No matter how much your parents disapprove of your decision, remember to stick to your guns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You've got to stick to your guns".

The New York Times

You have to stick to your guns".

The New York Times

Stick to your guns: Awful phrase.

Harvard Business Review

Having to stick to your guns is kind of exhausting.

The Guardian - Arts

Having to stick to your guns is kind of exhausting.

The Guardian - Arts

"If you're going to stick to your guns, I have no problem with it," he said.

The New York Times

stick to your guns, candy and make Obama be quiet ON TIME.

The New Yorker

"I therefore write to urge you to stick to your guns on educational reform".

The New York Times

The implicit moral of his stories was, essentially, "Stick to your guns".

The New York Times - Books

Sometimes you have to stick to your guns and just say you disagree.

The Guardian

.@TonyAbbottMHR on whether Australia should move its Israel embassy: You've got to stick to your guns.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stick to your guns", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation where maintaining one's position is commendable, rather than stubbornness or inflexibility. Emphasize the value or principle behind the stance.

Common error

Avoid using "stick to your guns" when flexibility or compromise is needed. The phrase implies unwavering resolve, which can be counterproductive in situations requiring adaptability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick to your guns" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise or encourage someone to remain firm and resolute in their beliefs, decisions, or actions, especially when facing opposition or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it urges steadfastness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stick to your guns" is a common idiomatic phrase used to encourage steadfastness and determination in the face of opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from various sources. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the context calls for unwavering resolve rather than flexibility. Alternatives like "stand your ground" or "hold firm" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to consider the specific situation and communicative purpose when choosing to use this idiom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stand your ground

This alternative conveys a similar sense of defending one's position, but with a more assertive tone and a stronger emphasis on resistance.

Hold firm

This alternative emphasizes unwavering resolve and resilience, often in the face of adversity or pressure.

Stay the course

This alternative highlights the importance of perseverance and maintaining one's direction despite challenges.

Remain steadfast

This alternative suggests unwavering loyalty and commitment to a particular principle or cause.

Be resolute

This alternative stresses firmness of purpose and a strong determination to achieve a desired outcome.

Keep to your convictions

This alternative centers on adhering strictly to one's deeply held beliefs, even when unpopular or challenging.

Maintain your position

This alternative focuses on defending one's standpoint, often in a debate or negotiation.

Hold your line

This alternative evokes a sense of maintaining a defensive posture, resisting encroachment or compromise.

Stay true to yourself

This alternative broadens the concept to encompass authenticity and aligning actions with one's core values.

Don't back down

This alternative is a more direct and forceful way of urging someone to maintain their stance.

FAQs

How can I use "stick to your guns" in a sentence?

You can use "stick to your guns" to advise someone to remain firm in their beliefs or decisions, such as, "Even though others disagree, you should "stick to your guns" if you believe you're right."

What's a less common way to say "stick to your guns"?

Alternatives to "stick to your guns" include phrases like "stand your ground", "hold firm", or "stay the course". These options offer similar meanings while varying in tone and intensity.

When is it appropriate to use "stick to your guns"?

"Stick to your guns" is suitable when you want to encourage someone to remain determined and not waver, even when facing opposition. However, it's important to consider whether flexibility might be more beneficial in the situation.

What's the difference between "stick to your guns" and "be open-minded"?

"Stick to your guns" implies a firm and unwavering stance, whereas being open-minded suggests a willingness to consider different perspectives and potentially change your position. The appropriate approach depends on the specific situation and whether steadfastness or adaptability is more valuable.