ba jin
B2Neutral. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
to make a slight movement; to move or change position slightly.
To change one's opinion, decision, or attitude, especially after being persuaded or pressured.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies initial resistance or a fixed position. Can be used literally for physical movement or figuratively for opinions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Equally common in both varieties with the same connotations of slight, reluctant movement.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] budges[Subject] budges from [position/opinion][Subject] won't/can't budge [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “won't budge an inch”
- “couldn't budge it with a crowbar”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The union refused to budge on the key issue of annual leave.'
Academic
'The scientific consensus did not budge despite the new, controversial data.'
Everyday
'This suitcase is so heavy, I can't budge it!'
Technical
'The seized component wouldn't budge, even after applying lubricant.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The wardrobe was so heavy it wouldn't budge.
- Despite our best arguments, she wouldn't budge from her decision.
American English
- I tried to open the window, but it didn't budge.
- The CEO refused to budge on the company's remote work policy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big box was full of books and I couldn't budge it.
- The cat is sleeping and won't budge.
- I tried to persuade him, but he wouldn't budge.
- The door is stuck and it just won't budge!
- After hours of negotiation, the management finally budged on the salary issue.
- The heavy rock wouldn't budge, no matter how hard we pushed.
- Her ideological convictions were so deeply held that no amount of evidence could make her budge.
- The Prime Minister's intransigence was notable; she didn't budge an inch during the entire parliamentary debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a stubborn judge who won't BUDGE from their verdict.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE OF POSITION IS CHANGE OF MIND (e.g., 'He finally budged on the policy').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "баджить" (to fidget). "Budge" implies a small, often difficult movement, not general restless movement.
- "Сдвинуться с места" is a close equivalent for the literal meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'move quickly' (e.g., 'He budged out of the way' is unnatural). It implies slowness and reluctance.
- Incorrect: 'The government budged the new law.' Correct: 'The government budged on the new law.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'budge' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is often used in contexts of difficulty or resistance. 'He finally budged' can be a positive outcome of persuasion.
Yes, but less commonly. 'I can't budge this lever' (transitive) means the same as 'This lever won't budge' (intransitive).
'Budge' emphasises the initial difficulty of starting to move something that is stuck, heavy, or metaphorical (like an opinion). 'Move' is more general.
It is neutral. It is appropriate in both casual speech ('I can't budge this jar lid') and formal writing ('The senator would not budge on the amendment').