stands one's ground

To stand one’s ground means to maintain one’s position or viewpoint despite opposition, pressure, or threat.

Historically, the phrase is rooted in military contexts, where holding ground referred to resisting enemy advances without retreating.

In legal contexts, “stand your ground” laws allow individuals to use force in self-defense without a duty to retreat.

Figuratively, it applies to personal or ideological stances: She stood her ground during the heated debate, refusing to compromise her principles.