stick to one's guns


stick to (one's) guns

To remain determined, resolute, or steadfast in one's opinion, belief, or perspective; to refuse to be persuaded by someone else into believing or doing something one does not agree with. Alludes to a soldier remaining and firing their gun(s) at an enemy, even when the situation might be dangerous or hopeless. The prosecution is going to try to trip you up with your statement and your alibi, but so long as you stick to your guns, there's nothing to worry about. I really admire Jess for sticking to her guns during college, and not submitting to the peer pressure of those around her to drink or do drugs.See also: gun, stick

stick to one's guns

Hold fast to a statement, opinion, or course of action, as in The witness stuck to her guns about the exact time she was there. This expression, originally put as stand to one's guns, alluded to a gunner remaining by his post. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1800s. See also: gun, stick

stick to one's guns, to

To persist, to stand firm. Originally this term was (and in Britain still is) to stand to one’s guns and referred to a gunner’s obligation to remain at his post. By the mid-eighteenth century it was being used figuratively, as by James Boswell (Life of Johnson, 1791): “Mrs. Thrale stood to her gun with great courage in defense of amorous ditties.”See also: stick