Decisiveness: English Vocabulary List

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

"Make up your mind now."

"You need to make up your mind soon because we cannot wait for you forever."

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

"He would not give an inch during negotiations."

"The opposing side would not give an inch during the negotiations so we eventually had to accept their terms."

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

"Just sit tight."

"Despite the pressure from his colleagues, he decided to sit tight and not alter his original proposal."

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

"He stuck to his own guns."

"Even though everyone else disagreed, she decided to stick to her guns and defend her research findings."

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

"The die is cast."

"The election results are in, and the die is cast; there is no turning back now."

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

"My grandfather is set in his ways."

"She is so set in her ways that she refuses to try any new technology or modern methods."

to act quickly in order to use an opportunity

"Take time by forelock."

"Seeing the unexpected opening, she decided to take time by the forelock and seize the opportunity."

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

"It is cut and dried."

"The contract terms were already cut and dried, leaving no room for further negotiation."

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

"Not for all tea China."

"I would not betray my best friend, not for all the tea in China."

to firmly take control and enforce a specific action

"She put her foot down."

"The parents finally had to put their foot down about the late curfew."

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

"He threw away the scabbard."

"Once they decided to launch the new product, they threw away the scabbard and committed fully."