Stick to Your Guns
"To hold firmly to your position or beliefs, especially under pressure to give in."
A military phrase from the age of muzzle-loaded cannon. Gun crews were expected to remain at their post and keep firing even as an enemy closed in or a position came under heavy attack, rather than abandoning the weapon and retreating. "Sticking to your guns" meant holding that position no matter how frightening the situation became. The phrase is documented from the 17th-18th centuries in this literal military sense, and its figurative use, holding firm to an opinion or decision under pressure, was well established by the early 19th century.
Sources: 17th-18th century military 'stand to your guns' usage; figurative use documented from the early 19th century via multiple etymological references.
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