Have you ever played with glue as a kid and then everything you touched would stick to fingers? If you heard someone say, “I am going to stick to him” would you think that is not nice and it would probably hurt?
In a literal sense, this would be possible. In a figurative the phrase stick to has several different meanings.
Meaning:
1. Stick to something
We will often use this to describe a promise or commitment made or it is something you believe is the right thing to do.
- You said you would do the dishes, you need to follow through.
Dialog:
Bret: He Barb. How are you liking your new job here?
Barb: Hey Bret. Uhm, it is ok, I am ok. Thanks for asking.
Bret: Just ok? That “OK” doesn’t sound like you are ok.
Barb: Well, it has only been a few weeks and I need to give it more time and I am sure things will get better.
Bret: Yeah, ok. Is there anything I can do to help?
Barb: No thanks. I will stick to my promise and continue with the job, now worries.
Bret: OK, well I am happy to hear you are sticking with us, let me know if I can help in anyway.
Barb: Will do, Bret. Thanks!
2. Stick to something
In another meaning, we would use this to describe someone continue with doing something in a specific manner as well as do it continuously until done.
- As far as I am concerned I see no reason to change our planned trip and we need to stick to our original plan of action.
Dialog:
Melissa: Roger, I am wondering if you have given some thought to the changes to our house plan.
Roger: Yeah, I had a chance to look at them. I have some concerns about expanding the kitchen and adding a 4th floor.
Melissa: OK, what are you thinking or what concerns so you have.
Roger: Well I am wondering why we want to add another $80,000 to our budget for these changes?
Melissa: Well, I just thought it would be better to do it now. We were both saying it would be good to have these changes and more rom.
Roger : Hmm. I think we should stick to the plan.
Melissa: OK. I can see what you are saying.
3. Stick to something
In some cases it is important to describe someone who talks or writes about a particular thing and only that thing.
- Please stick to the facts of the case and do not give me “maybes.”
Dialog:
Alice: Hi Jim, I want to talk to you about your report.
Jim: OK, sure. I made changes and some additions. Did you see them?
Alice: Yeah, I did. That is what I wanted to talk to you about. It seems you are getting a bit off topic.
Jim: Ok, I understand. I will go back and stick to the main topic and not get side tracked with the other issues.
Alice: Yeah there is I think it is best to stick to the first topic about market share. If needed we can do another report covering the other issues.
Jim: Will do. Thanks.
4. Stick to someone
One way we use this phrase is to describe someone stays close to another person or thing and follow them wherever they go.
- His mom stuck close to her son making sure he did not get into trouble.
Dialog:
Shannon: He Linda, how’s the family?
Linda: Shannon! Very busy, I can never sit down with our youngest.
Shannon: Yeah, I know what you mean. I have to stick to my 2-year-old as he is into everything!
Linda: Yeah. Our teenager, is being a typical teen. He has a girlfriend and he sticks to her and always wants to be with her.
Shannon: Ahh yes, to be a teenager again. No thanks!
Linda: No kidding. I wish my husband would want to stick around me more.
Shannon: Yeah, my husband would stick to me as he use to be jealous. Not anymore!
5. Stick to your guns
We use this phrase to express a person who remains committed to their words and/or position on something and does not change their mind or position.
- The politician stuck to his guns on the new budget and voted for the new tax laws.
Dialog:
Arthur: Hey Liz, how did your meeting go with the city council.
Liz: Hey Author. It went ok. It was little rough at first, but we have some common ground.
Arthur: What did they say about the need for more schools.
Liz: Well that is an issue, but for me it is a non-negotiable.
Arthur: Yeah, absolutely. You need to stick to your guns on that one.
Liz: Yeah. They are sticking to their guns that we have enough schools and can add on to existing ones.
Arthur: OK. Well if you need any help to help you stick to your guns on that, I have some fire power I can help you with.
Stick to your story
We use this to express that someone will not change their story or alter it for any reason. This is especially true when other people might not like the what is being said.
Dialog:
Bruno: Hey Blanch, how did the interrogation go with the suspect.
Blanch: Well, we spent 3 hours yesterday and 2 hours today questioning him.
Bruno: I see. He is sticking to his story that he was not at the party?
Blanch: Yep, he sure is. He is also sticking to his statement about his friend being with him
Bruno: Ok. Well if they continue to stick to their stories we might need to interview other witnesses.
Blanch: We will stick with our line of questioning and continue to see if they stick to their statements and stick to their accounts on what happened that night.
Bruno: Ok sounds ground. Stick to them!
Other words you can create: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc. (ex: mug – mugger):
Comply
Abide
Keep
Commitment
Fulfill
Uphold
Stay
Maintain
Endure
Collocations:
Stick to someone.
Stick to your guns.
Stick to your story.
Stick it out.
Stick it to them.
Stick to something.
Related phrasal verbs:
Make good on
When you make good on something you follow through on what you said you would do.
- We need to make good on our promise and stick to what we said we would do if they do not make a change in policy.
Stand by
When we use this in the context of stick to. It can relate to a couple of meanings. Basically, when we stand by something or someone, we remain loyal to them especially in a time of need and support.
- Giles is standing by his account of the accident and sticking to his written statement. I have no reason to doubt him.
Abide by
When we abide by something or someone it means we keep our promise and support it or them no matter what.
- We will need to abide by the terms of the contract and stick to the payment schedule we agreed to.
Hold to
When we use this phrase, we are saying we will stay consistent and not change.
- When we start building the house we need to hold to our schedule and stick to the building plan.
Persist in
This is used to describe someone who continues in a determined manner.
- It is important for the kids that we persist in sending them to a tutor and they need to stick to doing their homework every day after school.
Related idioms:
Stick it to him
When we talk about the phrase stick it to them we are saying give someone a problem or treat someone in a bad way.
Stick up for
When we stick up for someone we are supporting them and/or defend in a time of need when they are being attacked either verbally of physically.
Stick with it
When we use this phrase we are saying to be persistent and not give up.
Stick together
This is a phrase we use to describe a situation where people support one another and they depend on each other.
Stick to the ribs
This is a phrase we use to describe a meal that is filling and heavy and makes a person fell full for a period of time.
Synonyms (other ways to say):
Stick to someone.
Stick to your guns.
Stick to your story.
Stick it out.
Stick it to them.
Stick to something.
More for you:
What does IG mean? Is it Instagram?
What does GOT TO mean?
What does HMU mean?
What Does Spelling Mean?
What does SMH mean?
The post Stick To Definition. What does Stick To Mean? appeared first on MyEnglishTeacher.eu Blog.