hill to die on
Non-negotiable battle position
A hill to die on is a position or principle someone considers important enough to defend at any cost, even if it damages relationships or reputation.
The military metaphor suggests a battle worth fighting despite certain casualties.
Usually appears in the negative: Is this really the hill you want to die on? implies the fight isn't worth the consequences.
- line in the sandUncompromising boundary declared
- draw the lineEstablish a firm limit
- convictionFirmly held belief
- last standUltimate defensive effort
- make a standAssert position despite opposition
integrity · moral high ground · sticking point · resistance · point of no return · breaking point · sacrifice · do or die · martyrdom · fight to the finish · morality · dealbreaker · final straw · authenticity · battle cry · all or nothing · tenacity · courage
hill to die onsmall potatoes
Insignificant things or people
non-issue · tempest in a teapot · molehill · nitpick · trifle
hill to die oncompromise
Agreement through mutual sacrifice
pick your battles · water off a duck's back · water under the bridge · concession · give and take