Stiff-necked
Meaning
Someone who is stiff-necked is stubbornly unyielding and resistant to change, advice, or authority.
Origin
The phrase "stiff-necked" carries a powerful, almost ancient resonance, drawing its roots directly from the Hebrew Bible. Imagine a yoke placed on oxen: a stiff-necked animal would resist the farmer's direction, refusing to bow its head or follow the path. This literal image became a potent metaphor for spiritual and moral disobedience. In the Old Testament, particularly in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, God frequently describes the Israelites as "stiff-necked" people, constantly rebelling against divine commands and refusing to humble themselves or listen to prophets. It painted a vivid picture of a people unwilling to submit to authority or change their ways, and this striking imagery migrated into English to describe anyone stubbornly defiant.
Examples
- Despite all the evidence presented, the stiff-necked politician refused to admit any fault in his policies.
- Her stiff-necked refusal to compromise made negotiations incredibly difficult for everyone involved in the project.