give ground
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Related to give ground: loose end, in the first place, On a par, give rise to, in line with, pat on the back, rubbing shoulders
give (one's) ground
To yield or submit (to someone or something). Troops, we cannot give our ground to the enemy! The committee wants me to approach this project differently, but I refuse to give my ground. If the boss disagrees with your approach, then you have to give your ground—or lose your job.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
give ground
1. Lit. to retreat, yielding land or territory. I approached the barking dog, but it wouldn't give ground.
2. Fig. to "retreat" from an idea or assertion that one has made. When I argue with Mary, she never gives ground.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
give ground
Yield to a stronger force, retreat, as in He began to give ground on that point, although he didn't stop arguing entirely. This expression originated in the 1500s, when it alluded to a military force retreating and so giving up territory to the enemy. By the mid-1600s it was being used figuratively.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
give/lose ˈground (to somebody/something)
allow somebody/something to obtain more power, influence, etc. than yourself: The government has lost ground to the opposition, according to the opinion polls.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
give ground
To yield to a more powerful force; retreat.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.