Stick to your guns
/stɪk tə jɔː ɡʌnz/informalUK · US
What does “Stick to your guns” mean?
Stick to your guns means to keep your position despite pressure to change it
You can stick to your guns about a price, a boundary or a choice of career. Other people want you to change, and you refuse.
It does not mean your view is right. The same behaviour may look principled to one person and stubborn to another.
When do people say it?
Use it when someone defends a decision or belief against opposition. It can suggest admirable firmness or stubbornness.
“They offered less, but I stuck to my guns on the price.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
The phrase pictures someone holding their position at their guns. In everyday use, the position being defended is an opinion or decision.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Stick to your guns” in other languages?
Related idioms
- Put your foot down, Set a firm limit or insist on a decision.
Last updated 2026-10-01