Decision & Control - Decisiveness

Master English idioms regarding decisiveness, like "throw away the scabbard" and "cut and dried".

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to [make] up {one's} mind [phrase]

to come to a final decision or conclusion after considering different options or possibilities

Ex:

to [give|move|budge] an inch [phrase]

(always negative) ‌to refuse to make even a slightest change to one's position, decision, etc.

Ex: The defendant refused to budge an inch in his testimony , even when faced with contradictory evidence .

to [sit] tight [phrase]

to refuse to change one's opinion or decision regarding something

Ex: Despite the delays , the passengers were advised to sit tight until the mechanical issue was resolved .

to [stick] to {one's} guns [phrase]

to maintain one's beliefs or perspective regardless of others' disagreement

Ex: The CEO stuck to his guns and maintained the company 's ethical standards , even when faced with lucrative but questionable business opportunities .

the die [is] cast [sentence]

used to say that something is completely decided and cannot be changed

Ex:

[set] in {one's} ways [phrase]

to refuse to change one's opinions, behaviors, habits, etc.

Ex: The company 's management team was criticized for being set in their ways and unwilling to adopt innovative strategies .

to [take] time by the forelock [phrase]

to act quickly in order to use an opportunity

Ex: Knowing that opportunities for advancement are scarce , she took time by the forelock and applied for the promotion without hesitation .

cut and dried [phrase]

used to describe a situation that has almost no chance of changing as it is already decided

Ex:

not for all the tea in China [phrase]

used to express a strong refusal to do something, regardless of the great reward or incentive offered

Ex:

to [put] {one's} foot down [phrase]

to firmly take control and enforce a specific action

Ex: Faced with pressure to conform , she put her foot down and confidently embraced her unique style and identity .

to [throw] away the scabbard [phrase]

to fully commit to a course of action without any intention of retreat or hesitation

Ex: It 's time to throw away the scabbard and fight for the change we believe in , relentlessly pursuing our goals without compromise .

Decision & Control
Under Control	Out of Control	Losing Control	Being in Charge
Force & Obligation	Obedience	Choices & Decisions	Decisiveness
Indecisiveness	Dependency