stubborn as a mule

Idioms and Phrases

Extremely obstinate, as in He's stubborn as a mule about wearing a suit and tie . This simile evokes the proverbial stubbornness of mules, whose use as draft animals was once so common that the reputation for obstinacy can hardly be as warranted as the term indicates. [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

"Michael knew all of this, but as his friends and family will attest, he was passionate, and stubborn as a mule."

From BBC

“But age comes for us all, and Mitch is stubborn as a mule, and he’s tough. And so he’s been in my prayers in recent weeks.”

From Slate

“And he’s stubborn as a mule, and I have every hope he recovers to full strength.”

From Slate

“Mitch is strong, he’s stubborn as a mule,” Cruz said.

From Seattle Times

Like many Americans long removed from pastoral life, I still use its idioms, from “Hold your horses” and “stubborn as a mule” to “till the cows come home.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• hard-boiled
• hardheaded
• no-nonsense
• tough-minded
• uncompromising