Stick it out 🦯💪

Meaning

To persevere with a difficult or unpleasant task or situation until it is completed.

Origin

Imagine a soldier on a long, grueling march through unforgiving terrain, his boots worn thin, his canteen empty. He has one option: keep putting one foot in front of the other. That's the essence of 'sticking it out.' The phrase likely emerged from the simple, physical act of enduring hardship, perhaps envisioned as physically pushing or 'sticking' one's course through a tough period, much like a ship navigating rough seas or a pioneer pushing through a dense forest. It's a testament to grit and sheer refusal to quit when the going gets tough.

🦁💪 courage ☠️ risk 🏆 success ❌📉 failure 💪📈 work

Stick it out represented with emoji🦯💪

This playful sequence of icons invites us to consider the profound act of perseverance. The cane, often a symbol of support or necessity, is wielded with a surprising strength, underscoring the effort required to keep moving forward. It's not just the display of physical might, but the quiet determination to simply 'stick it out' that resonates.

Examples

  • The going got tough, but she decided to stick it out until she finished her degree.
  • Even though the hike was long and tiring, they promised to stick it out to reach the summit.
  • The dragon's lisp made his roar rather squeaky, but he decided to stick it out and practice his fearsome sound.
  • The tiny mouse knew the cheese was worth the peril, so he bravely decided to stick it out against the lurking cat.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'stick it out' a proverb or an idiom?

'Stick it out' is an idiom. Idioms are phrases where the meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of the words, unlike proverbs which often carry a piece of wisdom or advice through a metaphorical statement.

What's the opposite of 'stick it out'?

The opposite of 'stick it out' is to quit or give up. This involves abandoning a difficult situation or task before completion, rather than persevering through it.

Can 'stick it out' be used humorously?

Yes, 'stick it out' can certainly be used humorously, often to playfully acknowledge the difficulty of a mundane or slightly annoying situation. For instance, someone might say 'This long meeting is tough, but we'll stick it out' with a wink.

Does 'stick it out' imply success is guaranteed?

No, 'stick it out' only implies perseverance, not guaranteed success. It focuses on the act of enduring and continuing, regardless of the ultimate outcome.

Similar to "stick it out"

Tough it out
Both phrases champion enduring hardship. 'Tough it out' sounds more stoic, like facing down a storm with gritted teeth, while 'stick it out' suggests a more stubborn, almost defiant resolve to simply remain present until the end
See it through
Both phrases are about completing what you start. 'See it through' carries a more methodical, perhaps even a touch more dignified, air of commitment, whereas 'stick it out' implies a more visceral, prolonged struggle against resistance
Carry on
Both phrases mean to continue despite difficulty. 'Carry on' is often a more understated, duty-bound continuation, a simple 'keep going,' while 'stick it out' emphasizes the act of enduring something unpleasant, rather than just moving forward

Opposite of "stick it out"

Cut your losses
This phrase argues for strategic retreat, acknowledging when persistence is futile and recognizing the wisdom in abandoning a failing endeavor before incurring further damage. The tension is fascinating because 'stick it out' champions resilience, while 'cut your losses' champions pragmatism
Throw in the towel
This phrase advocates for surrender when faced with an insurmountable challenge, a stark contrast to the sheer willpower implied by 'stick it out.' It's the verbal equivalent of admitting defeat, making the stubbornness of 'sticking it out' seem either courageous or foolish

Related to "stick it out"

Grind it out
This phrase shares the idea of laborious persistence with 'stick it out,' but specifically highlights the monotonous, unglamorous, and often thankless nature of the effort involved
Dogged determination
This describes the quality of tenacious persistence central to 'stick it out,' focusing on the unyielding spirit rather than the action of enduring itself
Weather the storm
This phrase evokes enduring a period of intense difficulty, much like 'stick it out,' but uses a powerful meteorological metaphor to emphasize the cyclical and external nature of the hardship
See the light at the end of the tunnel
This phrase offers the hopeful counterpart to the grim endurance of 'stick it out,' suggesting that the struggle will eventually yield a positive outcome and a sense of relief