The Archive

Etymology Journal ยท S

Stick to your guns

Meaning

To maintain your position or beliefs despite pressure to change your mind. It implies courage under fire rather than just being stubborn.

Encouraging, firm

Used in a sentence

  • I know the board is pressuring you to lower the price, but stick to your guns on the value of your work.
  • If you truly believe this is the best path for the family, then you need to stick to your guns.
  • Stick to your guns during the interview; they need to see you are confident in your experience.

The backstory

This is a nautical term from the days of naval warfare. Sailors were encouraged to stay at their guns even during the most intense enemy bombardment.

Heard in

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