stubborn as a mule

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stubborn as a mule

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

From Slate ● Sep. 7, 2023

"He had talent in every fibre of his being and was stubborn as a mule," wrote Sykes.

From BBC ● Nov. 16, 2020

As always, though, V. I. remains the most vivid participant in this case, stubborn as a mule — although she sees herself as another animal entirely.

From New York Times ● Apr. 17, 2020

"My husband's stubborn as a mule, and he wouldn't leave," Wash told KABC-TV.

From US News ● Jul. 25, 2016

“No use in bein’ stubborn as a mule jest because it comes easy to you, Jeth.”

From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt

Related Words

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