sticks in the mud
Change-averse party-poopers
Sticks in the mud is the plural of stick in the mud—people who resist change, avoid fun, or cling to old ways.
The image is of someone so mired they can't move forward: Don't be such sticks in the mud—come dancing with us.
The phrase carries mild contempt for excessive caution or dullness.
Belonging to earlier times
- conventionalFollowing accepted practices
- conservativeCautious about altering customs
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
- hideboundRigidly adhering to tradition
old-school · antiquated · fuddy-duddy · fogeyish · outdated · behind-the-times · purist · classicist
Unable to bend
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- unbendingRefusing to change position
- uncompromisingRefusing to yield ground
- obstinateFirmly refusing to yield
stubborn · immovable · adamant · intransigent · bullheaded · mulish · headstrong · pigheaded
Lacking courage or confidence
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
- risk-aversePreferring safety over uncertainty
- hesitantSlow to act
- fearfulFull of fright
reserved · wary · apprehensive · guarded · overcautious · unenthusiastic · reluctant · homebodies
Lacking edge or interest
- tediousBoring through length
- uninterestingFailing to hold attention
- humdrumLacking variety or excitement
- drearyDull and depressing
lifeless · tiresome · uninspired · monotonous · stale · flat · bland · drab
old-fashioned
Belonging to earlier times
- conventionalFollowing accepted practices
- conservativeCautious about altering customs
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
hidebound · old-school · antiquated · fuddy-duddy · fogeyish · outdated · behind-the-times · purist · classicist · time-honored
inflexible
Unable to bend
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- unbendingRefusing to change position
- uncompromisingRefusing to yield ground
obstinate · stubborn · immovable · adamant · intransigent · bullheaded · mulish · headstrong · pigheaded · hardheaded
timid
Lacking courage or confidence
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
- risk-aversePreferring safety over uncertainty
- hesitantSlow to act
fearful · reserved · wary · apprehensive · guarded · overcautious · unenthusiastic · reluctant · homebodies · sheltered
dull
Lacking edge or interest
- tediousBoring through length
- uninterestingFailing to hold attention
- humdrumLacking variety or excitement
dreary · lifeless · tiresome · uninspired · monotonous · stale · flat · bland · drab · colorless
sticks in the mudfree spirits
Independent, unconventional people
adventurers · pioneers · trailblazers · thrill-seekers · daredevils
sticks in the mudlife of the party
Most entertaining guest
party animals · bon vivants · live wires · social butterflies · firecrackers
sticks in the mudfree spirits
Independent, unconventional people
mavericks · nonconformists · rebels · iconoclasts · radicals
stick, sticks, stuck, sticking, sticky, stickiness, stickier, stickiest