firm

Related to firm: business firm

a firm hand

Strong, unwavering discipline and control. Children need a firm hand growing up—they crave structure and rules, despite their protests to the contrary. With the company's president making a series of brilliant decisions, it seems they finally have a firm hand at the helm.
See also: firm, hand

be a firm believer in (something)

To have a strong conviction that something (stated after "in") is important or worthwhile. I'm a firm believer in resting on the weekends so that I don't get burned out.
See also: believer, firm

be a great believer in (something)

To have a strong conviction that something (stated after "in") is important or worthwhile. I'm a strong believer in resting on the weekends so that I don't get burned out.
See also: believer, great

be on firm ground

To be certain of or comfortable with something. Anna can tutor you—she's on firm ground with diagramming sentences.
See also: firm, ground, on

firm hand on the tiller

Full control over a situation. I felt comfortable knowing that even during this difficult time, he had a firm hand on the tiller.
See also: firm, hand, on, tiller

firm up

1. To cause something to become more physically stable or solid. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "firm" and "up." I think we need to firm up the foundation before the whole thing falls over. Now put the mixture in the fridge so it can firm up.
2. To become more physically fit or toned. Yeah, I hired a personal trainer to help me firm up.
3. To recover from a problem or decline. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "firm" and "up." It'll take some time for sales to firm up after the economic downturn.
4. To solidify a plan or idea and make it more definite. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "firm" and "up." I'll call you tomorrow night to firm up our plans for the weekend, OK?
5. To change or add to a monetary offer, in order to make it more desirable. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "firm" and "up." If we firm up our offer, I really do think he'll sign with us.
See also: firm, up

have a firm grip on (someone or something)

1. Literally, to be seizing someone or something with a very tight grasp. The bouncer had a firm grip on me as he led me out of the club. I had a firm grip on the wheel to keep the boat on course during the storm.
2. To possess tight and complete control over someone or something. Now that I have a firm grip on the business, I can begin steering it to the success I know it can achieve. Heed my warning—you need to have a firm grip on this new recruit. He's got talent, sure, but he's reckless!
See also: firm, grip, have, on

hold firm

1. To remain securely adhered (to something). I didn't think the makeshift weld would do the trick, but I'm happy to say that it's holding firm.
2. To remain determined, stalwart, and unyielding, as in one's position or opinion. Though it may be hard, we must hold firm in our pledge to environmental reform.
See also: firm, hold

keep a firm grip on (someone or something)

1. Literally, to maintain a tight grasp on someone or something. The bouncer kept a firm grip on the man as he forced him out of the club. I kept a firm grip on the wheel so that the boat would stay on course during the storm.
2. To maintain strict control over someone or something. The new CEO has so far been keeping a firm grip on the company's direction, much to the chagrin of its investors. You need to keep a firm grip on this new recruit. He's got talent, sure, but he's reckless!
See also: firm, grip, keep, on

stand firm

To remain determined, stalwart, and unyielding, as in one's position or opinion. Though it may be hard, we must stand firm in our pledge to environmental reform.
See also: firm, stand

take a firm grip on (someone or something)

1. Literally, to seize or take hold of someone or something with a very tight grasp. The bouncer took a firm grip on me and led me out of the club. I took a firm grip on the wheel to keep the boat on course during the storm.
2. To gain or exercise tight control over someone or something. After her predecessor allowed the company to wallow in mediocrity for nearly 10 years, the new CEO took a firm grip on the business and steered it to unimaginable success. You need to take a firm grip on this new recruit. He's got talent, sure, but he's reckless!
See also: firm, grip, on, take

take a firm line (on or against something)

To publicly assert one's opinion or defense of or opposition to something without relenting. I know voicing my opinion on this legislation may put my job in jeopardy, but it's time to take a firm line against these discriminatory hiring practices. Though an unpopular opinion, the principal took a firm line on keeping classes separated by gender.
See also: firm, line, take

take a firm stand (on or against something)

To publicly assert one's opinion or defense of or opposition to something without relenting. I know voicing my opinion on this legislation may put my job in jeopardy, but it's time to take a firm stand against these discriminatory hiring practices. Though an unpopular opinion, the principal took a firm stand on keeping classes separated by gender.
See also: firm, stand, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*firm hand

Fig. [someone's] strong sense of management; a high degree of discipline and direction. (*Typically: exercise ~; have ~; need ~; take ~; use~.) I had to use a firm hand with Perry when he was a child. He had a problem with discipline.
See also: firm, hand

firm something up

 
1. Lit. to make something more stable or firm. We need to firm this table up. It is very wobbly. You need to use a whisk to firm up the egg whites.
2. Fig. to make a monetary offer for something more appealing and attractive and therefore more "solid" and likely to be accepted. You will have to firm the offer up with cash today, if you really want the house. Please firm up this offer if you still want the house.
See also: firm, up

firm up

 
1. Lit. to develop better muscle tone; to become less flabby. I need to do some exercises so I can firm up. You really ought to firm up.
2. Fig. to become more stable or viable; to recover from or stop a decline. The economy will probably firm up soon. I hope that cattle prices firm up next spring.
See also: firm, up

keep a firm grip on someone or something

 and keep a tight grip on someone or something 
1. Lit. to hold on to someone or something tightly. As they approached the edge, Sally kept a firm grip on little Timmy. She kept a tight grip on him. Keep a firm grip on my hand as we cross the street.
2. Fig. to keep someone or something under firm control. The manager keeps a firm grip on all the employees. I try to keep a firm grip on all the accounts.
See also: firm, grip, keep, on

take a firm grip on someone or something

 
1. Lit. to grasp someone or something tightly. The police officer took a firm grip on Fred and led him to the squad car. Mary took a firm grip on the handle and pulled hard.
2. Fig. to gain control of someone or something. You will have to take a firm grip on Andrew. He has a mind of his own. Someone needs to take a firm grip on this department and get it organized.
See also: firm, grip, on, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

be on firm ground

be sure of your facts or secure in your position, especially in a discussion.
See also: firm, ground, on

a firm hand

strict discipline or control.
Often used in the the fuller form, a firm hand on the reins (or the tiller ), this phrase is employing the image of controlling a horse by using the reins (or a boat using the tiller).
See also: firm, hand
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

be a great/firm believer in something

believe strongly that something is good, important or valuable: My mother was a great believer in horoscopes all her life. The boss was a firm believer in developing strong teamwork.
See also: believer, firm, great, something

stand ˈfast/ˈfirm

refuse to move back; refuse to change your opinions or behaviour: The management have stood firm against demands for a pay increase. OPPOSITE: shift your ground
Fast here means ‘firmly fixed’.
See also: fast, firm, stand

be on firm ˈground

be sure about your beliefs, knowledge, etc.; be confident: I don’t know a lot about physics, I’m afraid. I’m on firmer ground with mathematics, which I studied at university.
See also: firm, ground, on

a firm ˈhand

strong discipline and control: What his son needs, if you ask me, is a firm hand!
See also: firm, hand

hold ˈfirm (to something)

(formal) believe something strongly and not change your mind: She held firm to her principles.
See also: firm, hold

take a firm ˈline/ˈstand (on/against something)

make your beliefs known and try to make others follow them: We need to take a firm line on tobacco advertising. They took a firm stand against drugs in the school.
See also: firm, line, stand, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

firm up

v.
1. To become firm or firmer: My vacation plans firmed up, so I bought airline tickets.
2. To cause something, such as a shape or a plan, to become definite or firm: I want to firm up our vacation plans before I call the travel agent. Let's firm our route up and get on the road.
See also: firm, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • a firm hand
  • firm hand
  • contrary to
  • contrary to (something)
  • crave
  • crave to (do something)
  • crave to do
  • contrary to all reason
  • thirsty for
  • thirsty for (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
The average revenues per employee reported by firms engaged in combined deconstruction and reuse retail sales was $73,900, compared to $96,516 per firm for organizations engaged in reuse retail sales only.
Window shopping: retail reuse stores provide an outlet for material from deconstruction projects
Alliances often describe themselves on Web sites or in marketing materials as "global," "worldwide" or "borderless," suggesting the alliance is a single, unified firm. Such descriptions alone probably will not render members or the umbrella organization vicariously liable.
Liability for someone else's sins: the risks of accounting firm alliances: protect your firm from vicarious liability
In fact, the availability of relevant data varies widely, from firm to firm as well as from one functional area or line of business to another.
ERM report card: does Enterprise Risk Management really deserve all the attention it's been getting?
That average is then multiplied by a factor of between two and three, which represents the longstanding belief about a CPA firm's profit: one-third of revenues covers salaries, one-third covers overhead and one-third represents profits for the partners.
The insider: well planned and structured agreement key to successful internal succession
Tanya Fratto, CEO at DI, says the company is flourishing under the aegis of private equity firm Littlejohn & Co.
Quest for returns boosts private equity: leveraged buyouts and other deals led by private equity firms are all the rage these days. Insipid stock market returns have brought institutional funds flocking to private equity, which is now able to buy very large, complex companies
If done properly, divestiture also allows the firm terminating the relationship to be paid for its past investment in building the relationship.
Divesting clients wisely
Present and future leaders will be comforted by and attracted to the firm that voluntarily undertakes measures to protect constituents.
Sarbanes-Oxley compliance: benefits for the private firm
We have learned it's highly valuable for firms to know what they have in common with other practices, so PCPS regularly conducts research to gather comparative data on important practice management issues.
Chair's corner
To see this, assume the firm confronts a labor supply curve which describes the wage (W) as a simple function of the quantity of labor supplied, whose first derivative is positive.
Product and resource markets: points of symmetry
This technique helped the firm keep internal business partners aware of the competitive research function and helped them to understand what other types of competitive information are available.
Competitive intelligence in action: how do organizations use competitive intelligence, and what can it mean to their success? Two case studies illustrate different approaches and results
Boasting one-stop legal services, the firm targets medium-sized businesses that are cost-sensitive.
Law firms going global in Japan. (Special Advertising Section: Law Firms in Japan)
After all, had the CEO in our imaginary acquisition scenario properly identified and valued the target firm's intangible assets prior to the deal in anticipation of having to meet the new reporting requirements, he or she would have been able to factor in the expected post-deal amortization costs when pricing and structuring the deal.
Intangible assets: A ticking time bomb. (Chief Concern)
Firm: KUWABARA PAYNE MCKENNA BLUMBERG ARCHITECTS (www.kpmb.com)
Guide to College Library builders & planners: use this quick guide as a jumping-off point for your library planning initiative. (College Libraries)
Responsibilities: He contributes to the strategic planning and business development of this top-rated minority- and women-owned municipal bond underwriting firm that ranked No.
B.E. Wall St. All-Stars: from investment banking to asset management, these 50 MVPs score big in the financial markets. (Special Report)(Cover Story)
The qualifying securities firm has a rating in one of the top three investment grade rating categories from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization; or
Final rule--amendment to risk-based capital standards: claims on securities firms. (Legal Developments)