In this original military sense stick to ones guns was more likely to be American while the British equivalent would have been stand to.

Example of idiom stick to one's guns. 1 I stick to my guns when I am sure of my opinion. 4 She sticks to her guns because she knows she is right. Stick To Ones Guns stands for To stick to ones guns means to refuse to change ones convictions or beliefs.

Stick by ones guns. Labour MPs determined to shoot down controversial plans for variable university top-up fees are poised to stick to their guns despite last. Make a dead set upon someone or something make a dead set at.

A metaphor for adhering to ones beliefs or convictions and not wavering dates in this sense from the mid-19th century but long before this it was obviously a military credo in that soldiers and sailors should continue to ply their guns until the battle is won. Stick to your guns. You must admire the way she sticks to her guns.

3 He sticks to his guns even when all around him are opposed. Defend an action or opinion despite an unfavorable reaction. Stick to ones guns.

2 You stick to your guns if you are stubborn. Teenagers test their parents to see how much they can get away with. This expression originated at a time when guns were becoming the weapon of choice in warfare.

Its figurative use dates from the mid-1800s. Stick to ones guns to. This often has an affectionate or admiring flavor as in the example.