To Dig in (one's) Heels

Idiom: to dig in (one's) heels; used as a verb

First Example:

Jennifer: How is the wedding planning going?

James: Ugh.

Jennifer: That bad, huh? What's wrong now?

James: We can't agree on the music. I just want to have a DJ, but Natalie has dug in her heels on an expensive live band. She won't even consider any of the alternatives I suggested.

Jennifer: Just like she dug in her heels with that expensive hotel?

James: Yep, and I assumed she'll dig in her heels on some expensive flowers as well.

Jennifer: Well, it is her wedding day, so she wants it to be special.

James: It's my wedding day as well, and I don't want us spending the next ten years paying off loans!

Meaning: To "dig in (one's) heels" is a phrase that means to refuse to give in. This idiom is used when a person stubbornly refuses to change an opinion or action.  In the example, James says his fiancé Natalie is digging in her heels about wedding options that are too expensive.

Unusual for an English expression, the preposition in this idiom can be moved to the end without affecting the meaning. The expression to dig (one's) heels in (with the preposition at the end) is also correct and has the same meaning.

Here is an example of that usage:  

Michelle: How about sushi for dinner?

Greg: I don't want to go out. Can't we just order a pizza?   

Michelle: Well, I wanted something healthier than bread and cheese. How about that new salad place? That's not far?

Greg: Can't you get a salad from a pizza place?

Michelle: Not a good one. Let's go out.

Greg: There has to be a healthy delivery place. Let me look online.

Michelle: Wow, you're really digging your heels in on delivery, aren't you?

Greg: I just had a long day, and I'd rather stay home.

www.languagesystems.com

Out with the old, in with the new

Idiom: Out with the old, in with the new - To change the old for the new. To leave old things or ideas behind and bring in new things or ideas.

Example 1

Jerry:  What are you doing?

Malcom: I’m eating raw spinach with almonds for lunch.

Jerry: That doesn’t look very appetizing.

Malcom: Well, with the new year comes the "Out with the old, in with the new" attitude. No more double cheeseburgers with fries for lunch. It’s spinach salads for the new year and an hour workout at the gym every morning!

Jerry: Really? Well, good luck with that!

Example 2

Kathleen: I’ve made a decision.

Tia: OK.

Kathleen: For the new year, I’m going to break up with Philip.

Tia: But you guys are always breaking up and then getting back together.

Kathleen: Well, this is it. It’s the new year. Out with the old, in with the new. I’m going to ask Javier out on a date. I’ve always thought he was cute and I think we would have a lot of fun.

Tia: You would make a cute couple!

Meaning: “Out with the old, in with the new” means to leave old things or ideas behind and start fresh with new things or ideas. People usually say this at the beginning of a new year or at the beginning of something new.  In the first example, Malcom is throwing out his old habit of eating fast food  and starting to eat healthier food for lunch instead.  In the second example, Kathleen is leaving her old boyfriend behind and looking for a new relationship with someone she can have fun with.

www.languagesystems.edu