stand pat

verb

1. poker to refuse the right to change any of one's cards; keep one's hand unchanged
2. to resist change or remain unchanged

Derived Forms

• ˈstandˈpatter, noun

Idioms and Phrases

Refuse to change one's position or opinion, as in We're going to stand pat on this amendment to the bylaws . This expression may be derived from the verb pat in the sense of “strike firmly and accurately.” [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

They may stand pat on it, but their standing will drop badly.

From The Daily Beast

All good leaders hate letting people go, but it's perilous to stand pat today.

From The Daily Beast

I'm somewhat puzzled to know why they didn't stand pat and make a clean job of us both.

From Project Gutenberg

I stand pat, just where I stood at first, and it'll take a lot uh cackling to make me back down.

From Project Gutenberg

Never mind warning me, Inspector: I'm ready to stand pat upon the truth.

From Project Gutenberg

Take Ellis' papers, otherwise you stand pat for a heap of trouble, and I can't help you.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, we want to stand pat on this—don't tip me off to 'em—and pretty soon I'll have 'em all spraddled out ag'in.

From Project Gutenberg