digging in
Refusing to budge
Digging in describes the act of establishing a secure, defended position—originally military, where soldiers would dig trenches or foxholes.
The phrase extends to any situation where someone settles firmly and refuses to budge: Both sides are digging in for a prolonged negotiation.
It also means starting to eat with enthusiasm: The food arrived and everyone dug in.
When you dig in your heels, you stubbornly resist change or pressure.
Eating sumptuously together
- devouringEating greedily and quickly
- wolfingEating greedily and fast
- chowing downEating with gusto
- gorgingEating greedily, excessively
savoring · tucking in · scarfing · munching · chomping · pigging out · indulging · noshing
Firmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
commitment · fortitude · persistence · resilience · dedication · stubbornness · endurance · willpower
Long narrow excavation
- foxholeMilitary defensive excavation
- bunkerReinforced subterranean stronghold
- earthworksConstructed soil fortifications
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
defensive position · shovel · spade · excavation · rampart · parapet · redoubt · emplacement
State of being submerged
- involvementState of being engaged
- deep diveComprehensive examination of topic
- focusConcentrated attention point
- researchSystematic fact-finding effort
investigation · exploration · studying · analyzing · examining · tackling · delving · probing
feasting
Eating sumptuously together
- devouringEating greedily and quickly
- wolfingEating greedily and fast
- chowing downEating with gusto
gorging · savoring · tucking in · scarfing · munching · chomping · pigging out · indulging · noshing · second helpings
resolve
Firmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
perseverance · commitment · fortitude · persistence · resilience · dedication · stubbornness · endurance · willpower · obstinacy
trench
Long narrow excavation
- foxholeMilitary defensive excavation
- bunkerReinforced subterranean stronghold
- earthworksConstructed soil fortifications
fortification · defensive position · shovel · spade · excavation · rampart · parapet · redoubt · emplacement · stronghold
immersion
State of being submerged
- involvementState of being engaged
- deep diveComprehensive examination of topic
- focusConcentrated attention point
research · investigation · exploration · studying · analyzing · examining · tackling · delving · probing · scrutinizing
- establishing positionanchoring, fortifying, marking territory, holding ground, rooting
- staying putwait, staying, linger, waiting, remain
- toddler behaviortantrums, whining, pouting, saying no, defiance
- standing upstanding up, standing ground, speaking out, speaking truth, fighting back
- battle prepbriefing, preparation, readiness, mobilization, mustering
- fortifyingfortifying, reinforcing, barricading, shoring up, buttressing
digging inretreating
Moving back from advance
withdrawing · falling back · yielding · pulling out · evacuating
digging inbacking down
Withdrawing from a stance
giving in · yielding · caving · relenting · compromising
digging ingiving up
Choosing to stop trying
quitting · throwing in the towel · disengaging · pulling out · withdrawing