Persistence: English Vocabulary List

up to the point where something faces its inevitable failure or fails to achieve any degree of success

"They fought until bitter end."

"She stayed with the company until the bitter end, even when everyone else had already left."

to begin doing or taking part in something with enthusiasm and determination

"He took the bit between his teeth and ran."

"Once she takes the bit between her teeth nothing can stop her from achieving her goal."

to keep on trying despite the high chance of failure

"He went down swinging."

"The old boxer went down fighting in his last match refusing to give up until the final bell."

to face one's challenges or problems with absolute courage and determination

"He gritted his teeth and finished the race."

"I had to grit my teeth and smile when my boss made that stupid joke."

to manage to stay strong and determined, despite the likelihood of failure

"I am barely keeping my head above water."

"During the economic crisis many small businesses struggled to keep their heads above water financially."

to manage to keep one's spirit and stay hopeful in the face of challenges and hardships

"Keep your chin up, friend."

"Even when things get difficult, you should always keep your chin up and stay hopeful."

to survive a tough situation or disastrous experience and get the chance to try again

"We lost the battle but lived to fight another day."

"The company survived the crisis and lived to see another day thanks to careful management."

to persist on achieving a particular result by taking risks, particularly when one should stop

"Don't push it too far."

"If you keep pushing it without resting, you might end up seriously injuring yourself."

to try one's best to stay strong and determined in the face of danger or extremely low odds of success

"He put up a fight."

"The old man was too weak to put up a fight against the young burglar in his house."

to keep defending one's plans or opinions despite facing opposition

"She held her ground."

"Despite intense pressure from the board, the CEO stood her ground on the controversial decision."

by any means that is necessary

"I will do it by hook or crook."

"The determined salesman was going to close the deal by hook or by crook no matter what it took."

no matter how many obstacles one might face or how hard achieving something gets

"I will finish this project come hell or high water."

"She vowed to deliver the report on time come hell or high water, regardless of the obstacles ahead."

no matter what happens or how difficult thigs turn out to be

"I will support you come what may."

"The organisation pledged to continue its humanitarian work come what may, regardless of funding cuts."

no matter how many problems one might face or how hard achieving something gets

"They sailed on in the teeth of the storm."

"The brave sailor continued his journey in the teeth of the fierce storm."

an option or solution that is only chosen when every other alternative has failed

"As a last resort, try."

"Moving abroad should be your last resort when every other option has already failed completely."

one's bravery and determination to do what they believe is the right thing, regardless of what other people may think

"He had the courage of his convictions."

"The activist had the courage of her convictions and spoke out against the unfair law."

firmly determined and focused on the task at hand

"She is dead set against the idea."

"She is dead set on becoming a doctor even though it requires many years of difficult study."

to maintain a good performance and continue persevering in one's efforts

"You should keep it up."

"Your progress has been excellent so far, so keep it up and don't give up now."

to be very serious about fulfilling one's intentions

"She really means business today."

"When the manager arrived with a strict deadline, everyone in the office knew she meant business."

no matter what happens

"I will be there come rain or come shine."

"The volunteers showed up every single week, come rain or come shine, without asking for anything in return."