🗓️ Idiom: Dig Your Heels In (verb)
💬 Meaning
- To refuse to change your opinion or decision.
- To resist pressure strongly and stay firm.
🧠 Example Sentences
- The manager dug his heels in and would not approve extra spending.
- She dug her heels in during the negotiations about working hours.
- Even with strong opposition, the director dug her heels in on the new policy.
🏛️ Origin
The phrase comes from the idea of digging your heels into the ground to stop moving forward. It has been used in English since the early 19th century, originally linked to the image of a horse refusing to move. It eventually became a common expression for people showing strong resistance in arguments or negotiations.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
Despite criticism, the politician decided to __________ his heels in on the new law.
Answer
dig
2. Multiple choice:
What does “dig your heels in” mean?
a) To walk away from a discussion
b) To give in to other people’s opinions
c) To stay firm and refuse to change
Answer
c) To stay firm and refuse to change
3. Change the sentence using dig your heels in:
She refused to back down during the meeting.
Answer
She dug her heels in during the meeting.
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