Stick to One’s Guns, To
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.”
🗣 Similar Expressions:
- Hold one’s ground
- Stand firm
- Stay the course
- Hold fast
- Butt heads
🦸♂️ Inspirational Quote:
“Never. Give. Up.” – Winston Churchill (though not as catchy as a figurative cannonball)
📚 Suggested Literature:
- “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway. Experience how old Santiago quite literally sticks to his guns while battling the mighty marlin.
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Observe how Atticus Finch stands firm in his beliefs despite societal pressures.
🎧 Song Recommendation:
- “Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers – After all, you’ve got to stick to your guns if you “can’t stop, addicted to the shindig…”
🎬 Movie Suggestion:
- “Braveheart” - Where conviction and valor define William Wallace’s relentless persistence.
Proverbs Related:
- “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” (Japanese Proverb)
- “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Quizzes
### Which of these is a real idiom that means to persist?
- [x] Stick to one's guns
- [ ] Hold onto a tree
- [ ] Slide on butter
- [ ] Dance with deer
> **Explanation:** "Stick to one's guns" is an idiom meaning to persist or remain firm, despite challenges. The others? Completely nutty.
### What does 'hold one's ground' mean?
- [ ] Build a garden
- [ ] Set up camp
- [x] Stand firm in one's position
- [ ] Pick up rocks
> **Explanation:** 'Hold one's ground' is synonymous with persisting and not wavering in one's position or belief.
### True or False: 'Stay the course' is similar to 'stick to one’s guns'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Both idioms reflect the idea of persistence and maintaining one's progress or stance despite difficulties.
### Which phrase means 'to persist despite pressures'?
- [ ] Dance with wolves
- [ ] Swim against donuts
- [x] Hold fast
- [ ] Jump into jellybeans
> **Explanation:** Holding fast means to persist in one's stance or course of action in spite of opposition or challenge.
### Phrase dealing with never giving up?
- [x] When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
- [ ] Fly with the butterflies
- [ ] Sink with the ship
- [ ] Smile with the stars
> **Explanation:** "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" is a proverb about perseverance and determination.
In moments of challenge, remember to channel your inner steadfast warrior and, whatever you do, never disarm your resolve. 🌟💫
Steadfast Scribe
