THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Dig your heels in
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To refuse to change your position when others try to persuade you.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- He dug his heels in and refused to move the meeting time.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To refuse to change your position when others try to persuade you.
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Dig your heels in — To refuse to change your position when others try to persuade you.
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Write one sentence using “Dig your heels in” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To refuse to change your position when others try to persuade you.
Compare: He dug his heels in and refused to move the meeting time.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when describing stubborn resistance to a change or request. It is conversational and often critical.
More examples in context
- The group dug its heels in when asked to abandon the original design.
- I do not want to dig my heels in without hearing the other proposal.
Usage note
The past tense is dug, not digged. Change your to match the subject. The expression describes resistance, not necessarily a well-supported argument.
A short conversation
A: Will the organiser consider a different venue?
B: She has dug her heels in so far, but we can explain the access problem clearly.
A: Let us give her the relevant information.
One more practice question
Who digs their heels in?
A. Someone who firmly refuses to change despite attempts to persuade them.
B. Someone who immediately accepts every suggested change.
Check your answer
A. The person resists changing their plans or ideas.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.