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give ground

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give ground

 

1. Lit. to retreat, yielding land or territory. I approached the barking dog, but it wouldn't give ground.

2. Fig. to "retreat" from an idea or assertion that one has made. When I argue with Mary, she never gives ground.

See also: give, ground

give ground

to change your opinions or your demands in a discussion or argument so that it becomes easier to make an agreement The dispute is set to continue for some time as neither side seems willing to give ground.

See also: give, ground

give ground

Yield to a stronger force, retreat, as in He began to give ground on that point, although he didn't stop arguing entirely. This expression originated in the 1500s, when it alluded to a military force retreating and so giving up territory to the enemy. By the mid-1600s it was being used figuratively.

See also: give, ground

give ground

To yield to a more powerful force; retreat.

See also: give, ground