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.