budge
budge 30秒で
- Budge means to move slightly, often after effort.
- It is mostly used in negative sentences like 'won't budge'.
- It applies to both physical objects and personal opinions.
- It implies a sense of stubbornness or being stuck.
The word budge is a dynamic and evocative term that primarily functions as a verb, though it describes a state of resistance or the initiation of movement. At its core, to budge means to move even the slightest bit. However, its true power in the English language lies in its frequent pairing with negation. We rarely talk about things that 'budge' easily; instead, we focus on things that won't budge, can't budge, or refuse to budge. This creates a sense of tension between a force being applied and an object or person that is stubbornly staying put. Whether you are tugging at a rusted bolt or trying to convince a stubborn friend to change their mind about where to go for dinner, 'budge' is the go-to word to describe that initial breakthrough of movement or the frustrating lack thereof.
- Physical Resistance
- This refers to heavy objects, stuck mechanisms, or crowded spaces where movement is physically restricted. If a piano is too heavy for one person to move, they might say, 'I pushed with all my might, but it didn't budge.'
I spent twenty minutes pulling at the old drawer, but the wood had swollen in the humidity and simply wouldn't budge.
Beyond the physical realm, 'budge' is exceptionally common in metaphorical contexts. It describes intellectual or emotional stubbornness. In a high-stakes negotiation, if one party refuses to lower their price or change their conditions, we say they 'won't budge on their position.' This usage highlights a person's resolve or inflexibility. It suggests that despite pressure, arguments, or incentives, the person's opinion or decision remains exactly where it started. It is a word that captures the essence of a stalemate.
- Metaphorical Inflexibility
- Used when someone is being stubborn about an opinion, a rule, or a decision. 'The manager wouldn't budge on the deadline, even though I explained the emergency.'
The senator has made it clear that she will not budge on the environmental protections in the new bill.
Linguistically, 'budge' is often categorized as a Negative Polarity Item (NPI). This means it feels most 'at home' in negative sentences (not budge), questions (will it budge?), or conditional 'if' clauses. While you *can* say 'It finally budged,' it is much more common to hear it used to describe a failure to move. This inherent negativity gives the word a certain weight and drama; it implies a struggle against a fixed point. When something finally 'budges' after a long effort, it feels like a significant victory or a crucial turning point in a conflict.
After hours of debate, we finally got them to budge a little on the starting salary.
- The 'Nudge' Contrast
- While 'nudge' is a gentle push to encourage movement, 'budge' is the actual resulting movement. You might nudge someone to get them to budge, but if they are truly stubborn, no amount of nudging will work.
Can you budge up a bit so I can sit down on the bench?
In summary, 'budge' is a versatile word that bridges the gap between the physical and the psychological. It communicates the difficulty of change and the persistence of the status quo. Whether you are dealing with a jammed door or a fixed mindset, 'budge' perfectly encapsulates that moment of resistance. Understanding its preference for negative constructions will help you use it like a native speaker, emphasizing the frustration of something that simply stays exactly where it is.
Using 'budge' correctly involves understanding its relationship with auxiliary verbs and its tendency toward negative phrasing. Because 'budge' implies a slight movement, it is almost always preceded by 'won't', 'can't', 'couldn't', or 'wouldn't'. This structure highlights the inability to achieve even a minor change. When you use it in the positive—'it budged'—it usually follows a previous mention of it being stuck, serving as a resolution to a conflict. For example, 'I thought the lid was glued shut, but it finally budged when I used a towel for grip.'
- Physical Objects
- When describing heavy or stuck items, 'budge' emphasizes the lack of any movement at all. Example: 'The boulder was so massive that even our truck couldn't make it budge.'
Despite his best efforts to open the window, the old frame wouldn't budge an inch.
In the context of opinions and decisions, 'budge' is a powerful way to describe intransigence. It is often used with the preposition 'on'. You 'budge on' a topic or 'budge from' a position. For instance, 'The union refused to budge on their demand for a 10% raise.' This specific phrasing 'budge on [something]' is a hallmark of professional and political English, used to describe stalemates in negotiations or debates. It carries a slightly critical tone, implying that the person being described is perhaps being unnecessarily difficult or stubborn.
- Negotiations and Opinions
- Use 'budge on' to indicate refusal to change a specific part of a deal. Example: 'They were willing to talk about the timeline, but they wouldn't budge on the price.'
She's very set in her ways; once she makes up her mind, she won't budge.
Another common pattern is 'won't budge an inch.' This is an idiomatic way to emphasize total refusal or total lack of movement. The 'inch' serves as a figurative measurement of the smallest possible change. This is frequently used in political reporting or sports commentary to describe a defense that is holding firm or a politician who is sticking to their principles. It adds a layer of visual emphasis to the sentence, making the resistance feel more tangible to the listener or reader.
The defense line was incredible; they didn't budge an inch even when the other team was right at the goal.
- Informal 'Budge Over'
- In very casual British or Australian English, 'budge' can be used as a command to move. 'Budge over!' means 'Move aside!' or 'Make room for me!'
If you budge over just a little bit, we can all fit on the sofa for the movie.
Finally, consider the emotional weight of the word. Because it implies resistance, using it can sometimes sound frustrated. If you say, 'He won't budge,' you aren't just stating a fact; you are often expressing your own annoyance at his stubbornness. This makes it a very useful word for storytelling and personal anecdotes, as it conveys both the situation and the speaker's reaction to it. It is a compact way to describe a conflict of wills.
The word 'budge' is a staple in everyday conversations, news reporting, and literature, appearing whenever there is a conflict between a force and a fixed object or idea. In the household, you'll hear it during DIY projects or when dealing with old furniture. A parent might complain to a spouse, 'I tried to open the jar of pickles, but the lid wouldn't budge.' In this context, it’s a simple description of physical frustration. It’s also very common in the context of children—either children physically refusing to move from a spot or refusing to change their minds about eating their vegetables.
- Home and DIY
- Commonly used for stuck windows, tight bolts, heavy furniture, and stubborn lids. 'I sprayed some oil on the hinge, but it still won't budge.'
The car was stuck deep in the mud, and no matter how much we revved the engine, it didn't budge.
In the professional world, 'budge' is a frequent guest in the news, particularly in politics and business. Reporters use it to describe stalemates in government. You might hear a news anchor say, 'The two parties remain deadlocked as neither side is willing to budge on the tax proposal.' This usage is sophisticated yet accessible, perfectly capturing the essence of a political gridlock. It’s a concise way for journalists to summarize complex disagreements where neither side is willing to compromise. In business, it appears in discussions about price negotiations or contract disputes.
- Political and Business News
- Used to describe a lack of compromise. 'Negotiators have been meeting for three days, but the company won't budge on health insurance benefits.'
Government shutdown looms as leaders refuse to budge on spending limits.
Literature and storytelling also rely heavily on 'budge' to build tension. Authors use it to describe a character's internal resolve or a physical obstacle that represents a larger challenge. In a thriller, a character might be trapped behind a door that 'won't budge,' heightening the sense of danger. In a character-driven novel, a protagonist's refusal to budge on a moral issue might be the central conflict of the story. It is a word that naturally lends itself to drama because it implies a confrontation of forces.
He stood his ground, his feet planted firmly as if rooted to the earth, and he would not budge even as the crowd surged toward him.
- Legal and Formal Contexts
- In legal settlements, lawyers might report to their clients that the opposing side 'isn't budging' on the settlement amount, signaling that further litigation may be necessary.
The giant defender didn't budge when the striker tried to push past him.
Essentially, wherever there is resistance—whether it's a rusty bolt, a stubborn toddler, a hard-nosed negotiator, or a defensive line—you will hear the word 'budge.' It is a universal descriptor for the moment when something stays exactly where it is, despite all efforts to move it. Its ability to work in both literal and figurative ways makes it one of the most useful 'resistance' words in the English lexicon.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'budge' is using it in a purely positive sense without any context of previous resistance. While grammatically possible to say 'I budged the chair,' it sounds unnatural to native speakers. Native speakers would almost always say 'I moved the chair' or 'I shifted the chair.' 'Budge' carries the connotation of difficulty. You only use 'budged' in the positive if you have already established that it was hard to move. For example, 'I pushed and pushed, and finally, the chair budged.' Without that initial struggle, 'budge' feels out of place.
- Misuse in Positive Assertions
- Mistake: 'I budged the book to the left.' Better: 'I moved the book to the left.' Use 'budge' only when the book was somehow stuck or heavy.
Correct: The rock was heavy, but I finally managed to budge it. (Implies effort)
Another common error is confusing 'budge' with 'nudge.' While they sound similar, they describe different parts of the movement process. A 'nudge' is a gentle push you *give* to someone or something. 'Budge' is the *result* of that push (or a lack of result). You can nudge a friend with your elbow to get their attention, but if they are staring intensely at something, they might not budge. Remember: Nudge is the action you do; Budge is the movement that happens (or doesn't happen) as a result.
- Budge vs. Nudge
- Mistake: 'I budged him to wake him up.' Correct: 'I nudged him to wake him up.' (You gave him a small push). 'He wouldn't budge' (He wouldn't move even after being nudged).
Incorrect: He budged his car into the garage. Correct: He moved his car into the garage.
Learners also sometimes struggle with the preposition that follows 'budge' in metaphorical contexts. Some might say 'budge about' or 'budge for.' The standard preposition is 'on.' You budge on an issue, on a price, or on a decision. This 'on' indicates the specific topic where the flexibility is lacking. Occasionally, you might hear 'budge from,' but this usually refers to a physical or metaphorical starting point, such as 'He wouldn't budge from his original demand.'
- Preposition Errors
- Mistake: 'They won't budge with the price.' Correct: 'They won't budge on the price.' The 'on' is crucial for idiomatic accuracy in negotiations.
I asked him to budge over so I could see the screen, but he ignored me.
Finally, avoid overusing 'budge' for large movements. If something moves a significant distance, 'budge' is no longer the right word. 'Budge' is for that first tiny movement of something that was stuck. If a car drives ten miles, it didn't 'budge' ten miles; it 'traveled' or 'moved.' Only use 'budge' for the transition from 'completely still' to 'slightly moving.' Using it for large-scale movement sounds quite odd to native speakers.
When you want to describe movement or the lack of it, English offers several alternatives to 'budge,' each with its own nuance. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most precise word for your situation. The closest synonym is often 'stir.' Like 'budge,' 'stir' is frequently used in the negative to mean 'not moving at all.' However, 'stir' often has a more poetic or quiet quality. We might say 'not a leaf stirred,' whereas 'not a leaf budged' sounds a bit too mechanical. 'Stir' is also used for waking up or beginning to be active.
- Budge vs. Stir
- 'Budge' implies a physical struggle or a resistance of will. 'Stir' implies the beginning of activity or a light, natural movement. 'He didn't budge' (He was stubborn). 'He didn't stir' (He was deeply asleep).
The old dog didn't even stir when the mailman knocked on the door.
In metaphorical contexts, 'yield' and 'relent' are excellent alternatives. To 'yield' means to give way to pressure or influence. It is more formal than 'budge.' If a politician 'yields' on a point, it sounds like a structured part of a debate. If they 'budge,' it sounds more like they were being stubborn and finally gave in. 'Relent' suggests that someone was being harsh or strict and finally became more merciful or flexible. It carries an emotional weight that 'budge' lacks.
- Budge vs. Yield
- 'Budge' is informal and focuses on the lack of movement. 'Yield' is more formal and focuses on the act of giving up a position to someone else. 'The king refused to yield his throne.'
After hours of begging, our parents finally relented and bought us the video game.
Another interesting comparison is with 'shift.' While 'budge' is about the *beginning* of movement, 'shift' is about a change in position or direction. You might shift your weight from one foot to another, or a car's gears might shift. 'Shift' doesn't necessarily imply resistance. If you 'shift' an opinion, it implies a gradual change. If you 'budge' on an opinion, it implies you were pushed to change it. 'Shift' is more neutral, while 'budge' is more loaded with the idea of a struggle.
- Budge vs. Shift
- 'Shift' is a neutral word for changing position. 'Budge' implies overcoming resistance. 'The wind shifted to the north.' (Natural change). 'The heavy chest wouldn't budge.' (Resistance).
The hikers tried to dislodge the rock that was blocking the trail.
In summary, while 'budge' is perfect for describing stubbornness and physical sticking points, words like 'stir,' 'yield,' 'relent,' 'shift,' and 'dislodge' offer different flavors of meaning. Choosing 'budge' emphasizes the 'not moving an inch' aspect, while the others might focus more on the grace of the movement, the formality of the situation, or the specific nature of the change. By mastering these alternatives, you can describe any situation involving movement with precision and style.
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
Interestingly, the word 'budget' comes from the same root 'bouge', but it referred to a small leather pouch or 'bulge' used for carrying money. While 'budge' describes movement, 'budget' describes the container for your funds!
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' (like in 'bug'). It should be a soft 'j' sound.
- Over-extending the vowel sound to 'boodge' or 'badge'.
- Failing to pronounce the final 'd' sound clearly, making it sound like 'bush'.
- Confusing the spelling with 'budget'.
- Pronouncing it like 'bouge' (French style) rather than the English 'budge'.
難易度
Common in news and literature, usually easy to understand from context.
Requires understanding of negative polarity and specific prepositions (budge on).
Very useful for everyday frustrations; easy to pronounce.
Clear pronunciation, usually emphasized in a sentence.
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知っておくべき文法
Negative Polarity Items (NPIs)
'Budge' is an NPI, meaning it usually follows words like 'not', 'never', or 'hardly'.
Intransitive Verbs
'The door won't budge' (Correct). 'I budged the door' (Usually incorrect/unnatural).
Phrasal Verbs with Budge
'Budge up' and 'Budge over' are common informal phrasal verbs for moving.
Auxiliary Verbs for Ability/Will
Commonly paired with 'can't' (ability) or 'won't' (will/stubbornness).
Prepositional Phrases
Use 'on' for topics (budge on price) and 'from' for locations/stances (budge from the spot).
レベル別の例文
The big door won't budge.
La grande porte ne bouge pas.
Uses 'won't' to show the door is stuck.
I pull the box, but it doesn't budge.
Je tire la boîte, mais elle ne bouge pas.
Simple present negative for a current situation.
Can you budge a little?
Peux-tu te pousser un peu ?
Informal use for moving slightly.
The rock is too heavy. It won't budge.
Le rocher est trop lourd. Il ne bougera pas.
Common pairing of 'too heavy' and 'won't budge'.
My toy is stuck and won't budge.
Mon jouet est coincé et ne bouge pas.
Describes a stuck object.
The window is old. It doesn't budge.
La fenêtre est vieille. Elle ne bouge pas.
Negative present tense.
Push it! Did it budge?
Pousse-le ! Est-ce qu'il a bougé ?
Question form using 'did'.
It finally budged!
Ça a fini par bouger !
Positive past tense used after a struggle.
The car is in the mud and won't budge.
La voiture est dans la boue et ne bouge pas.
Context of being physically stuck.
Budge up, I want to sit down too.
Pousse-toi, je veux m'asseoir aussi.
Informal phrasal verb 'budge up'.
I tried to open the jar, but the lid wouldn't budge.
J'ai essayé d'ouvrir le bocal, mais le couvercle ne voulait pas bouger.
Use of 'wouldn't' for past refusal/inability.
The cat is on my lap and won't budge.
Le chat est sur mes genoux et ne veut pas bouger.
Playful use for a stubborn pet.
We tried to move the sofa, but it didn't budge an inch.
Nous avons essayé de déplacer le canapé, mais il n'a pas bougé d'un pouce.
Idiomatic 'budge an inch' for emphasis.
Is the drawer stuck? It won't budge.
Le tiroir est-il coincé ? Il ne bouge pas.
Question followed by a statement of fact.
I applied some oil, and now the bolt budges.
J'ai mis de l'huile, et maintenant le boulon bouge.
Positive use after a solution is found.
He is so stubborn; he won't budge.
Il est si têtu ; il ne veut pas bouger.
Transition to metaphorical stubbornness.
The company won't budge on the price of the house.
L'entreprise ne veut pas céder sur le prix de la maison.
Metaphorical use in a negotiation context.
I've tried to convince her, but she won't budge from her position.
J'ai essayé de la convaincre, mais elle ne veut pas changer de position.
Using 'budge from' for an opinion.
The heavy safe didn't budge, even with three people pushing.
Le coffre-fort lourd n'a pas bougé, même avec trois personnes qui poussaient.
Emphasis on extreme physical resistance.
The management refused to budge on the new holiday schedule.
La direction a refusé de céder sur le nouvel horaire des vacances.
Using 'refused to budge' for formal intransigence.
If the zipper won't budge, try using some candle wax.
Si la fermeture éclair ne bouge pas, essaie d'utiliser de la cire de bougie.
Conditional 'if' clause with 'won't budge'.
He finally budged a little after I explained the situation.
Il a fini par céder un peu après que j'ai expliqué la situation.
Positive use showing a small change in opinion.
The donkey stood in the middle of the road and wouldn't budge.
L'âne se tenait au milieu de la route et ne voulait pas bouger.
Classic example of animal stubbornness.
They are stuck in their ways and won't budge for anyone.
Ils sont figés dans leurs habitudes et ne bougeront pour personne.
General statement about character.
The government is under pressure but refuses to budge an inch on tax reform.
Le gouvernement est sous pression mais refuse de céder d'un pouce sur la réforme fiscale.
B2 level idiomatic use in a political context.
Despite the evidence, he wouldn't budge from his original theory.
Malgré les preuves, il ne voulait pas en démordre de sa théorie initiale.
Intellectual stubbornness despite contrary facts.
We managed to get the rusted bolt to budge after soaking it in lubricant.
Nous avons réussi à faire bouger le boulon rouillé après l'avoir trempé dans du lubrifiant.
Using 'get something to budge' (causative structure).
The union leaders said they won't budge until their safety concerns are met.
Les dirigeants syndicaux ont déclaré qu'ils ne bougeraient pas tant que leurs préoccupations en matière de sécurité ne seraient pas satisfaites.
Using 'budge' to describe a conditional refusal.
The old piano was so heavy that it wouldn't budge, no matter how hard we tried.
Le vieux piano était si lourd qu'il ne bougeait pas, peu importe nos efforts.
Expressing frustration over an immovable object.
She's known for being firm; she rarely budges once she's made a choice.
Elle est connue pour être ferme ; elle change rarement d'avis une fois qu'elle a fait un choix.
Describing a consistent personality trait.
The defense was so strong that the opposing team couldn't budge them from the goal line.
La défense était si forte que l'équipe adverse n'a pas pu les faire reculer de la ligne de but.
Sports context for physical and tactical resistance.
I tried to budge the conversation toward a different topic, but they kept coming back to the same issue.
J'ai essayé de faire dévier la conversation vers un autre sujet, mais ils revenaient sans cesse au même problème.
Metaphorical use for directing a flow or process.
The administration has signaled that it will not budge from its hardline stance on immigration.
L'administration a signalé qu'elle ne reviendrait pas sur sa position ferme en matière d'immigration.
Formal journalistic usage with 'hardline stance'.
It took a significant incentive for the developers to finally budge on the project's timeline.
Il a fallu une incitation importante pour que les développeurs finissent par céder sur le calendrier du projet.
Using 'budge' to describe the resolution of a complex negotiation.
The massive boulder, a remnant of the last ice age, refused to budge despite the construction crew's efforts.
Le rocher massif, vestige de la dernière période glaciaire, a refusé de bouger malgré les efforts de l'équipe de construction.
Literary and descriptive use for physical objects.
He is intellectually rigid and won't budge even when presented with overwhelming contradictory evidence.
Il est intellectuellement rigide et ne changera pas d'avis même face à des preuves contradictoires accablantes.
Describing a psychological state of cognitive dissonance.
The price of the vintage car remained high as the collector wouldn't budge on his valuation.
Le prix de la voiture de collection est resté élevé car le collectionneur n'a pas voulu céder sur son évaluation.
Specific context of valuation and niche markets.
After weeks of stalemate, the opposing factions finally budged, leading to a breakthrough in the peace talks.
Après des semaines d'impasse, les factions opposées ont finalement cédé, ce qui a conduit à une percée dans les pourparlers de paix.
Using 'budge' as a turning point in a high-stakes narrative.
The rusted mechanism was so seized that no amount of force could make it budge.
Le mécanisme rouillé était tellement grippé qu'aucune force ne pouvait le faire bouger.
Technical description of mechanical failure.
She has a reputation for being unyielding; once she sets a course, she won't budge for anyone.
Elle a la réputation d'être inflexible ; une fois qu'elle a tracé une voie, elle ne bougera pour personne.
Characterization through metaphorical movement.
The witness remained remarkably composed, refusing to budge from her initial testimony despite hours of aggressive cross-examination.
Le témoin est resté remarquablement calme, refusant de revenir sur son témoignage initial malgré des heures de contre-interrogatoire agressif.
Complex narrative context involving legal pressure.
In the realm of theoretical physics, some axioms are so foundational that they rarely budge, even when new anomalies arise.
Dans le domaine de la physique théorique, certains axiomes sont si fondamentaux qu'ils bougent rarement, même lorsque de nouvelles anomalies apparaissent.
Abstract application to scientific principles.
The sheer inertia of the bureaucracy meant that the policy wouldn't budge, regardless of the urgent need for reform.
L'inertie pure de la bureaucratie signifiait que la politique ne bougerait pas, quel que soit le besoin urgent de réforme.
Metaphorical use describing institutional resistance.
The tectonic plates had been locked for centuries, but eventually, the pressure became too great and the fault line budged.
Les plaques tectoniques étaient bloquées depuis des siècles, mais finalement, la pression est devenue trop forte et la ligne de faille a bougé.
Technical geological context.
He possessed an almost pathological stubbornness, a refusal to budge that eventually alienated all his closest allies.
Il possédait un entêtement presque pathologique, un refus de céder qui a fini par aliéner tous ses plus proches alliés.
Psychological character analysis.
The central bank has indicated it will not budge on interest rates until inflation is firmly under control.
La banque centrale a indiqué qu'elle ne modifierait pas les taux d'intérêt tant que l'inflation ne serait pas fermement sous contrôle.
Economic and financial reporting context.
It is a testament to his architectural skill that the structure didn't budge even during the most violent tremors of the earthquake.
C'est un témoignage de son talent architectural que la structure n'ait pas bougé, même pendant les secousses les plus violentes du tremblement de terre.
Describing structural integrity.
The philosophical debate had reached an impasse, with neither side willing to budge from their diametrically opposed premises.
Le débat philosophique était arrivé à une impasse, aucune des deux parties n'étant disposée à en démordre de ses prémisses diamétralement opposées.
High-level academic and philosophical context.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— Refusing to change your position or opinion even a tiny bit. It emphasizes extreme stubbornness.
I tried to negotiate a better deal, but they were not budging an inch.
— A very strong way to say that someone absolutely refuses to move or change their mind, regardless of any incentive.
He's determined to keep that old car; he won't budge for love nor money.
— A casual request for someone to move slightly to make room. Very common in British English.
Budge over a bit, you're taking up the whole bench!
— Similar to 'budge over', used to ask someone to move along a seat to make space.
If you budge up, we can all fit on the sofa.
— To succeed in making something move after it was stuck.
I used a screwdriver to pry it open, and I finally got it to budge.
— The act of being completely inflexible or stubborn.
His refusal to budge on the budget led to the project's cancellation.
— To force or convince someone to change their mind or position.
Nothing I said could make him budge from his decision.
— To move only a very tiny, almost unnoticeable amount.
The dial was so old it would hardly budge when I turned the knob.
— To change one's opinion or stance on a specific topic.
The candidate refused to budge from his position on healthcare.
— Used to describe the moment resistance was overcome.
After a lot of effort, the rusty hinge finally budged.
よく混同される語
A nudge is a small push you give; budge is the movement that results from a push.
A budget is a plan for spending money; budge is a verb meaning to move.
A badge is a small sign or emblem you wear; budge is a verb meaning to move.
慣用句と表現
— To be completely firm and refuse to change one's mind or position at all.
The lawyer wouldn't budge an inch during the settlement talks.
neutral— Absolutely refusing to change or move, no matter what is offered.
She loves that old house and won't budge for love nor money.
informal— An informal command to make room for someone else.
Budge up, kids! Let your grandmother sit down.
informal— Similar in meaning: to refuse to change your mind even when others disagree. Often used when 'not budging' is seen as a positive trait.
You need to stick to your guns and not budge on your price.
neutral— To become extra stubborn and refuse to budge, usually when being pressured.
When I asked for a raise, my boss just dug in his heels and wouldn't budge.
neutral— To refuse to move or change your opinion when attacked or pressured.
The protesters stood their ground and wouldn't budge when the police arrived.
neutral— To maintain a position and not allow any movement or change.
The company is holding the line on wages and refuses to budge.
neutral— Describes a decision or rule that cannot be budged or changed.
The schedule isn't fixed in stone; we can budge the meeting time if needed.
neutral— Refers to something or someone that simply will not budge.
Trying to get him to change his mind is like pushing against an immovable object.
literary— To refuse to retreat or compromise even slightly.
The debating team gave no ground and wouldn't budge on their main argument.
formal間違えやすい
They sound very similar and both involve small movements.
Nudge is the action of pushing gently. Budge is the act of moving slightly, often after resistance. You nudge someone to get them to budge.
I nudged the door with my foot, but it wouldn't budge.
Both can mean 'to move slightly' in negative contexts.
Stir is often used for waking up or for light, natural movements (like leaves). Budge is for heavy objects or stubborn people.
The sleeping baby didn't stir, but the heavy trunk wouldn't budge.
Both involve changing position.
Shift is neutral and can be a large or small movement. Budge implies a struggle or the very first bit of movement.
I shifted the gears, but the car wouldn't budge from the mud.
Both can mean to give in during an argument.
Yield is formal and implies giving way to someone else. Budge is more about the internal refusal to move or change.
He refused to yield his power, and he wouldn't budge on the new laws.
Both involve moving something that is stuck.
Dislodge is a more technical or formal word for removing something from a fixed place. Budge is more common and describes the movement itself.
We used a lever to dislodge the rock, and it finally budged.
文型パターン
It won't budge.
The window is stuck. It won't budge.
Subject + won't budge on + [noun].
They won't budge on the price.
Subject + can't get + [object] + to budge.
I can't get this lid to budge.
Subject + didn't budge an inch.
The guard didn't budge an inch.
If + [subject] + won't budge, then...
If they won't budge, we will have to cancel the deal.
A refusal to budge from + [position].
His refusal to budge from his stance was problematic.
Finally budged after + [effort/time].
The situation finally budged after weeks of diplomacy.
Subject + is unlikely to budge, regardless of + [circumstance].
The policy is unlikely to budge, regardless of the criticism.
語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
Common in both spoken and written English, especially in news and storytelling.
-
I budged the table to the corner.
→
I moved the table to the corner.
'Budge' is for the very first bit of movement when something is stuck. If you're just moving furniture normally, use 'move'.
-
They won't budge with the price.
→
They won't budge on the price.
The correct preposition for a topic of disagreement is 'on'.
-
I budged him to wake him up.
→
I nudged him to wake him up.
A 'nudge' is the small push you give. 'Budge' is the movement that results from it.
-
The car budged ten miles.
→
The car traveled ten miles.
'Budge' only refers to a tiny movement. You cannot budge a long distance.
-
I couldn't budge the door open.
→
I couldn't get the door to budge.
While the first one is sometimes used, 'get something to budge' or 'the door wouldn't budge' is more idiomatic.
ヒント
Use with 'won't'
To sound most natural, use 'budge' with 'won't' or 'can't'. This is the most common way native speakers use the word to describe resistance.
Budge vs. Nudge
Remember: You nudge (push) something to try and get it to budge (move). Don't mix them up!
Budge Up
If you're in the UK, use 'budge up' to ask a friend to make room on a bench. It's a great local phrase.
Metaphorical Budging
Use 'budge' when writing about stubborn characters or difficult negotiations to add a sense of physical resistance to the scene.
Preposition Power
Always use 'budge on' for issues or prices. 'They won't budge on the contract' is perfect idiomatic English.
Business Context
In business, 'not budging' often implies a position of strength, but it can also lead to a stalemate. Use it carefully.
News Keywords
Listen for 'budge' in political news. It's a key word for describing when two sides cannot agree.
Expressing Frustration
Use 'It won't budge!' with a bit of stress on 'budge' to show you are frustrated with a stuck object.
An Inch
Add 'an inch' to 'won't budge' to emphasize that someone is being extremely difficult.
Not for Big Moves
Don't use 'budge' if something moves a lot. Only use it for the very first tiny bit of movement.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Budge rhymes with Judge. Imagine a very stubborn Judge who won't budge from his decision no matter what you say.
視覚的連想
Picture a giant, rusted iron door in a castle. You are pulling the handle with all your weight, but the door is so heavy it won't budge even a little bit.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to use the word 'budge' in three different ways today: once for a physical object (like a door), once for a person's opinion, and once in the informal 'budge over' sense.
語源
The word 'budge' entered the English language in the late 16th century. It originates from the Middle French word 'bouger', which means 'to stir', 'to move', or 'to budge'.
元の意味: The original French 'bouger' comes from the Vulgar Latin 'bullicare', which means 'to bubble' or 'to boil'. This suggests a sense of internal movement or agitation before external movement occurs.
Romance (via Old French) to Germanic (English).文化的な背景
The word is generally neutral and safe to use in all contexts. 'Budge over' can be slightly impolite if said with a harsh tone to a stranger.
In the UK and Australia, 'budge up' is a very common and friendly way to ask for space on a seat. In the US, 'scoot over' is more common, though 'budge' is understood.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Negotiations
- won't budge on the price
- refuse to budge on the terms
- finally budged after hours
- unwilling to budge
Home Repairs
- the bolt won't budge
- the window is stuck and won't budge
- get the drawer to budge
- won't budge an inch
Social Situations
- budge over a bit
- budge up so I can sit
- he wouldn't budge from his seat
- make some room, budge!
Politics
- neither side is budging
- won't budge from the policy
- a refusal to budge
- the administration hasn't budged
Sports
- the defense wouldn't budge
- couldn't budge the opponent
- didn't budge an inch from the line
- held firm and didn't budge
会話のきっかけ
"Have you ever had to deal with someone who just wouldn't budge on an issue?"
"What's the best way to get a rusted bolt to budge?"
"In a negotiation, do you think it's better to budge early or stand your ground?"
"Can you think of a time when you were stubborn and refused to budge?"
"What would you do if you were in a crowded place and someone wouldn't budge to let you through?"
日記のテーマ
Describe a time when you were trying to move something heavy and it wouldn't budge. How did you feel?
Write about a disagreement where you refused to budge on your opinion. Why was it important to you?
Reflect on a situation where someone finally budged after a long conflict. What changed their mind?
How do you decide when to budge on a decision and when to stay firm?
Imagine a world where nothing ever budged. What would that look like?
よくある質問
10 問Yes, but it's most natural when you've already mentioned that something was difficult to move. For example, 'I pushed hard, and it finally budged.' Using it without context like 'I budged the chair' sounds unnatural; 'I moved the chair' is better.
'Move' is a general word. 'Budge' is specific to the *beginning* of movement, especially when something is heavy or stuck. You use 'budge' to emphasize that something moved only a tiny bit or was hard to move.
'Budge up' is very informal. It's fine to use with friends or family, but it might sound a bit rude if you say it to a stranger or in a formal setting. In those cases, 'Could you please move over?' is better.
No, it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean changing an opinion or a decision. For example, 'He won't budge on his price' means he refuses to change the price.
This is an idiom that means someone is being extremely stubborn and refuses to change their mind or position even a tiny bit. It's a way to emphasize total inflexibility.
No, 'budge' is almost exclusively used as a verb in modern English. There is a type of fur called 'budge,' but that is an archaic and very rare usage.
The most common are 'on' (budge on an issue) and 'from' (budge from a spot). In informal British English, you also see 'up' and 'over' (budge up).
In linguistics, an NPI is a word that is most natural in negative contexts (like 'not'), questions, or 'if' clauses. 'Budge' fits this because we almost always talk about things that *don't* budge.
Yes, it is very common in American English, especially in the sense of 'won't budge' for stuck objects or stubborn opinions. However, 'budge up' is less common in the US than in the UK.
In a professional context, you might use 'yield,' 'compromise,' or 'adjust one's position' instead of 'budge,' depending on the situation.
自分をテスト 200 問
Write a sentence describing a stuck window using 'won't budge'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a stubborn person using 'refuse to budge on'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use the idiom 'not budging an inch' in a sentence about a political debate.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a time you were in a crowded place and used 'budge over'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence about a company's stance on a policy using 'budge'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Create a short story (3 sentences) about a stuck drawer using the word 'budged'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the difference between 'budge' and 'nudge' in your own words.
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Use 'budge' in a sentence describing a defensive line in a sports game.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'budge' to describe an intellectual disagreement.
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Describe an old, rusted machine part using 'couldn't get it to budge'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'budge' in the context of a child being stubborn.
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Use 'unbudging' as an adjective in a sentence.
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Write a sentence about a heavy safe using 'wouldn't budge'.
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Use 'budge' to describe a change in a financial market.
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Write an informal request to a friend using 'budge up'.
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Use 'budge' in a sentence about a legal settlement.
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Describe a rusted door hinge using 'finally budged'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a stubborn animal using 'won't budge'.
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Use 'budge' to describe a person's refusal to change their schedule.
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Write a sentence using 'budge' in a metaphorical sense about a social movement.
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Pronounce the word 'budge'. Does it rhyme with 'judge' or 'badge'?
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How would you tell a friend to move over on a couch using 'budge'?
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Describe a situation where a door is stuck. Use the word 'budge'.
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Explain to a colleague that a client is being stubborn about a price. Use 'budge'.
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Use 'budge an inch' to describe a political stalemate.
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How do you pronounce the 'g' in 'budge'? Is it hard or soft?
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Tell a story about a heavy object you tried to move. Use 'wouldn't budge'.
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Ask a question using 'budge' to see if a negotiation has progressed.
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Use 'finally budged' to describe the end of an argument.
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Give a tip to someone trying to open a stuck jar, using 'budge'.
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Describe a stubborn animal using 'budge'.
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Explain the metaphorical meaning of 'budge' to a friend.
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Use 'budge from his spot' in a sentence about a guard.
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How would you use 'budge' in a formal business meeting?
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Say the phrase 'won't budge an inch' with emphasis on 'inch'.
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Use 'budge' to describe a car stuck in snow.
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Describe a person who is 'set in their ways' using 'budge'.
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Use 'budge' in a sentence about a tight pair of shoes.
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Ask someone to move their car slightly using 'budge'.
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Use 'budge' to describe a feeling of being stuck in life.
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Listen to the sentence: 'The negotiator refused to budge on the final price.' What did the negotiator refuse to change?
Listen to the sentence: 'Budge up, there's plenty of room!' Is this formal or informal?
Listen to the sentence: 'The safe was heavy, but we finally got it to budge.' Did they move the safe?
In the sentence 'The window won't budge,' what is the speaker expressing?
Listen for the idiom: 'He won't budge an inch.' Does this mean he moved a little bit?
Listen to the sentence: 'The dog didn't stir when I walked in.' Is 'stir' used as a synonym for 'budge' here?
In a news clip about a strike, a reporter says 'The company isn't budging.' What does that mean?
Listen to the sentence: 'I couldn't get the rusted bolt to budge.' Why couldn't they move it?
In the sentence 'Budge over a bit, will you?', what is the speaker asking for?
Listen to the sentence: 'The administration has signaled it will not budge from its stance.' What is the 'stance'?
Listen to the sentence: 'The heavy trunk didn't budge, no matter how hard I pushed.' Was the person successful?
Listen to the sentence: 'If they won't budge, we'll have to find another supplier.' What is the condition?
Listen to the sentence: 'The lid finally budged after I used the wrench.' What tool did they use?
Listen to the sentence: 'She's so stubborn, she won't budge for anyone.' Who will she change her mind for?
Listen to the sentence: 'The tectonic plates finally budged, causing an earthquake.' What was the result of the plates budging?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'budge' is the ultimate descriptor of resistance. Whether you are dealing with a physical object that is stuck or a person who refuses to change their mind, 'budge' highlights the difficulty of achieving even the smallest amount of change or movement. Example: 'I tried to open the rusted jar, but it wouldn't budge.'
- Budge means to move slightly, often after effort.
- It is mostly used in negative sentences like 'won't budge'.
- It applies to both physical objects and personal opinions.
- It implies a sense of stubbornness or being stuck.
Use with 'won't'
To sound most natural, use 'budge' with 'won't' or 'can't'. This is the most common way native speakers use the word to describe resistance.
Budge vs. Nudge
Remember: You nudge (push) something to try and get it to budge (move). Don't mix them up!
Budge Up
If you're in the UK, use 'budge up' to ask a friend to make room on a bench. It's a great local phrase.
Metaphorical Budging
Use 'budge' when writing about stubborn characters or difficult negotiations to add a sense of physical resistance to the scene.
例文
I tried to slide the heavy bookshelf across the room, but it wouldn't budge.
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