make stick

Idioms and Phrases

Make effective or permanent, as in They tried to appeal but our lawyers made the verdict stick . This idiom uses stick in the sense of “adhere.” [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

None of these are true, it's merely a diversion, and one that they're going to potentially make stick with trans people.

From Salon

Now he has a decision to make: Stick with his boyhood club or seek riches elsewhere.

From New York Times

The cases of the week involving two-bit schemers and has-beens are easy enough to make stick.

From New York Times

The decades Mr. Biden spent cultivating a moderate image, paired with the conciliatory tone he has adopted toward Republicans in public, has allowed him to push his agenda without facing charges of socialism — a label his opponents unsuccessfully tried to make stick during the presidential campaign.

From New York Times

You’re given a ton of freedom over customizing the controls in the Jabra app, and those changes — like any EQ adjustments you make — stick with the earbuds from device to device.

From The Verge

Related Words

• approve
• certify
• confirm
• corroborate
• endorse
• justify
• legalize
• legitimize
• ratify
• substantiate
• verify