Stand one's ground

It soon appears that peasants and burghers, however brave, are unable to stand their ground against veteran soldiers, whose whole life is a preparation for the day of battle, whose nerves have been braced by long familiarity with danger, and whose movements have all the precision of clockwork.

They expect their opponents to stand their ground on the issue.

“What on earth did you think you were doing?” demanded Dad as he kneeled on his son’s bedroom floor. “What on earth do you think you were doing?” replied Frank. Dad did not look pleased that his question had been met by a question, and he stood his ground. “I asked first,” said the man.