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held ground

[hɛld graʊnd]
verb phrase
manteve posição / manteve terreno
1. To maintain one's position or stance; to not retreat or give way
Despite the criticism, she held ground on her decision.
Apesar das críticas, ela manteve sua posição sobre a decisão.
2. In military context: to defend and retain control of a territory or location
The troops held ground against multiple attacks.
As tropas mantiveram o terreno contra múltiplos ataques.
3. To stand firm in one's beliefs or arguments
He held ground during the debate without backing down.
Ele manteve sua posição durante o debate sem ceder.
NYC Slang
stood my/your/their ground - refused to back down or compromise
Synonyms
stood firmmaintained positionpersistedheld faststood one's ground
Antonyms
retreatedgave groundbacked downyieldedsurrendered

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
manteve posição / segurou o terreno
Common in both military and figurative contexts
Portugal
manteve a posição / aguentou o terreno
Standard usage throughout Portugal

Related Idioms & Phrases

stand one's ground
hold the line
not give an inch
stay the course
dig in one's heels
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