Dig your heels in

Meaning

Refuse to change or compromise.

Usage

Used when someone stubbornly resists.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Horse imagery of digging heels into the ground to stop.

Used for defiant behavior since the 19th century.