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Region: General | Usage example: Don't be a stick in the mud; grab a drink.

Stick in the mud

Meaning

Resistant to change or fun.

Usage

Teasing someone for being overly cautious or dull.

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.

Image of someone stuck in mud while others move on.

Appeared in 19th-century literature about explorers.

Related Idioms

Stick to your guns

Refuse to change your opinion.

Carrot and stick

Combining reward and punishment to motivate.

Short end of the stick

Receiving the worst part of a deal.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.