stay the course

phrase

: to continue with a process, effort, etc., even though it is difficult
We'll succeed in the end if we just stay the course.

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Cite this Entry

“Stay the course.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stay%20the%20course. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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