stonewall: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘stonewall’ mean?
The idiom "stonewall" means to refuse to answer or cooperate, often by deliberately withholding information or obstructing progress.
Idiom Explorer
A "wall of silence" is an expression used to describe a situation where people refuse to speak or give information about something, usually to protect someone or hide a wrongdoing.
The idiom "tell someone where to shove it" means to angrily reject or dismiss someone or something, often with hostility or contempt.
The idiom "talk to a brick wall" means to speak to someone who is unresponsive or unwilling to listen or understand what you are saying.
Talking to a brick wall is an idiom that you've probably heard before. It's used to describe the frustrating experience of trying to communicate with someone who just isn't listening or understanding what you're saying.
The idiom "take no for an answer" means to refuse to accept someone's refusal or rejection of something. It implies persistent determination and unwillingness to give up on a desired outcome.
The idiom "take a stand" means to publicly express one's opinion or position on a certain issue, often in a bold and assertive manner.
The idiom "stumbling-block" refers to an obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress or success.
The idiomatic expression "stumbling-block" has an interesting history and a specific meaning in modern usage. Derived from its literal meaning, the phrase has evolved over time to convey a metaphorical sense that describes an obstacle or impediment that hinders progress or success.
The idiom "strike one's flag" means to surrender or admit defeat, often used in the context of a confrontation or competition.
First, let's talk about the idiom "strike one's flag" and its origins in naval terminology. In naval traditions, ships would raise their flags to show their presence and intentions. The flag, also known as the ensign, represented the ship's identity, allegiance, and power.
The idiom "stop someone in their tracks" means to halt or interrupt someone suddenly, causing them to pause or cease their current action or thought. This expression implies a strong, unexpected impact or surprise that prevents further progress or movement.
The idiom "stop at nothing" means to be willing to do whatever it takes, without any boundaries or limits, to achieve a goal or desired outcome.
The idiom "stone dead" means completely and utterly lifeless or without any sign of life. It is often used to describe something or someone that is completely motionless, inactive, or devoid of any vitality or energy.
Silent Resistance
The idiom "stonewall" has its origins in both the literal and figurative senses of the word "stone" and the action of "walling." In its literal sense, "stone" refers to a type of rock, while "walling" signifies the construction of a wall. In a figurative sense, "stone" implies a hard, unyielding surface, and "walling" denotes the act of blocking or obstructing.
The idiom "stonewall" has been used since at least the late 19th century and is primarily associated with the United States. It gained prominence during the American Civil War, particularly in the context of military tactics. Soldiers would hide behind walls made of stone or other materials to provide cover and protection. This tactic of using stone walls evolved to also encompass the act of refusing to surrender or yield ground, which became known as "stonewalling".
This idiom is related to several other idioms, including "talk to a brick wall", "wall of silence", "dig one's heels in", "stumbling-block", and "stick one's head in the sand". Each idiom conveys a similar sense of resistance, obstruction, and lack of cooperation.
In political discourse, the term "stonewalling" is frequently associated with the strategy of refusing to answer or address questions from the media, opposition parties, or the public. It can be used as a tactic to avoid accountability, maintain secrecy, or protect one's reputation. "Stonewalling" can also refer to the deliberate withholding of information or documents during investigations or legal proceedings. This behavior is akin to "talking to a brick wall", as it reflects a refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue or provide the necessary information.
In the business context, "stonewalling" can manifest as a refusal to disclose important information or provide timely responses to inquiries from clients, partners, or employees. This behavior can hinder effective communication, damage relationships, and impede progress. It is often seen as an uncooperative and frustrating approach. Similarly, a "wall of silence" may be created when individuals refuse to speak openly or honestly, exacerbating the lack of transparency and hindering progress.
Beyond these specific contexts, "stonewalling" has become a more general idiom to describe any situation where someone knowingly and persistently avoids answering questions, addressing concerns, or providing the necessary information. Its usage conveys a sense of frustration, helplessness, and a lack of transparency. It implies a deliberate intention to create an impasse or maintain a position of power by denying access to crucial information. This behavior can be likened to "digging one's heels in", as it reflects a stubborn refusal to cooperate or change one's position.
The idiom "stonewalling" can also be seen as a "stumbling-block" to progress and effective communication. When individuals or organizations refuse to provide information or engage in dialogue, it creates obstacles and hinders the achievement of goals. This can lead to frustration and a sense of being blocked or hindered, similar to stumbling over a physical obstacle.
Another related idiom, "stick one's head in the sand", can be used to describe the behavior of those who choose to ignore or deny a problem or difficult situation. By avoiding or evading the issue at hand, they metaphorically bury their head in the sand, refusing to acknowledge the reality or take action. This behavior is comparable to "stonewalling" as it reflects a deliberate attempt to evade responsibility or avoid facing the consequences.
While the idiom "stonewall" has its roots in military tactics during the American Civil War, it has since expanded its meaning to encompass a wide range of contexts. From politics to business to everyday life, "stonewalling" describes the act of obstructing progress, evading questions, and refusing to provide information. This idiom captures the frustration and power dynamics that arise when clear and open communication is hindered. Although there is a sense of closure in defining and understanding the idiom, the continuing prevalence of "stonewalling" in various spheres prompts us to question its impact and search for ways to overcome this uncooperative behavior.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "stonewall" can be used in a sentence:
- When confronted about the missing documents, the politician chose to stonewall instead of providing a direct answer.
- The company's CEO effectively stonewalled the media by refusing to comment on the ongoing investigation.
- During the negotiation process, the opposing party attempted to stonewall progress by avoiding compromise.
More "verb" idioms
