PhrasesHub

staying the course

    Definitions

      • remaining committed
        to continue with a plan or activity despite difficulties or opposition

      • maintaining consistency
        to stay on a particular path or direction without veering off course

    Examples of staying the course

    • The company is staying the course in its current business strategy despite facing significant challenges and losses in the market.

      This idiom means that the company is continuing to follow its original plan or decision, even in the face of adversity or changing circumstances. The idea behind "staying the course" is to remain steadfast and committed to one's goals, rather than making impulsive or reactive decisions based on external pressures or short-term considerations. In this example, the company's management is facing difficulties in the market, but they believe that the existing strategy is still the best path to achieve their long-term objectives. As a result, they are persisting with this plan, despite the risks and setbacks along the way. By staying the course, the company is showing confidence in its own abilities and judgement, and sending a message to stakeholders that it is willing to endure short-term turbulence for the sake of achieving its goals over the long term.

    • The athlete was staying the course during the grueling marathon, despite feeling exhausted and struggling with cramps.

      In this example, "staying the course" refers to the athlete's determination to complete the race, despite experiencing physical exhaustion and discomfort. By staying the course, the athlete is demonstrating resilience, perseverance, and mental toughness in the face of adversity. This idiom can also be used in other contexts, such as when navigating uncharted waters or facing uncertainty, to convey a sense of persistence and focus in achieving one's aims.

    • The politician faced intense criticism and opposition, but she stayed the course with her policy proposals, knowing that they were in the best interests of her constituents.

      This example illustrates the use of "staying the course" to describe a politician's commitment to her principles and values, in spite of political pressures or opposition. The idiom highlights the importance of being true to one's convictions and beliefs, rather than succumbing to external pressures or popularity contests. By staying the course, the politician is demonstrating leadership and courage, and showing her constituents that she is willing to stand up for what she believes is right, regardless of the political fallout.

    • Despite the turbulent economy and volatile stock market, the investor was staying the course with his portfolio, confident in his long-term strategy.

      This example shows how "staying the course" can describe an investor's conviction in his investment decisions, in spite of uncertain economic conditions. In this context, the idiom denotes an investor's ability to remain calm and focused on his investment strategy, rather than reacting impulsively to short-term market fluctuations or external pressures. By staying the course, the investor is demonstrating his ability to manage risk and achieve his financial objectives over the long term, rather than following the herd or succumbing to emotion. This idiom is commonly used in financial and economic contexts, but it can also be applied to other areas of life where people are facing uncertainty, risk, or external pressures.

    • Despite facing unexpected challenges and setbacks, the CEO chose to stay the course with the company's current strategy.

      This idiom is used when a person decides to continue with a plan or decision that has already been made, even in the face of difficulties or opposition. In this example, the CEO's decision to "stay the course" with the company's existing strategy indicates that the challenges and setbacks have not caused them to change or abandon this strategy.

    • The government's response to the crisis was criticized by some as being too cautious, but they insisted that they were staying the course with their policies.

      In this example, the use of "staying the course" highlights the government's determination to stick to their policies, even in the face of criticism or opposition.

    • The athlete's performance at the first few competitions of the season was disappointing, but her coach encouraged her to stay the course and continue with her training routine.

      Here, "staying the course" refers to the athlete's commitment to continuing with her training regimen, despite initial setbacks or poor results. It suggests that she is not giving up or changing her approach in response to external pressures or disappointments.

    • The project manager faced a number of obstacles that threatened to derail the project, but she remained committed to staying the course and eventually led the team to success.

      This example illustrates the persistence and determination involved in staying the course. Despite encountering multiple obstacles, the project manager persevered and ultimately achieved a successful outcome.


    Conclusion

    "Staying the course" is often used to encourage perseverance or determination in the face of challenges. It can also refer to staying on a set path or direction without getting distracted or swayed. The idiom is commonly used in a variety of contexts, such as in personal goal-setting, business strategies, or political campaigns, to emphasize the importance of remaining steadfast and resolute.

    Origin of "staying the course"

    The origin of the idiom "staying the course" can be traced back to nautical terminology. In sailing, "staying the course" refers to keeping a ship on its intended path or heading, despite wind or current. The phrase has since been adopted into everyday language to convey the idea of persistence and determination. The idiom is now widely used to encourage individuals or groups to remain focused and unwavering in their pursuits, much like a ship navigating through rough waters. Overall, the origins of "staying the course" highlight the metaphorical connection between staying on course in sailing and staying committed or consistent in life's endeavors.