hold one's ground{v. phr.}
1. To stay and fight instead of running away.
The enemy attacked in great numbers but our men stood their ground. Compare: GAIN GROUND. Contrast: GIVE GROUND, LOSE GROUND.
2. To defend a belief or statement; refuse to weaken when opposed; insist you are right.
John's friends said he was mistaken but he stood his ground. Compare: STICK TO ONE'S GUNS.
[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲