Dic: give ground

• I approached the barking dog, but it wouldn't give ground.
• When I argue with Mary, she never gives ground.
• The dispute is set to continue for some time as neither side seems willing to give ground.

* * *

■ give ground

1. Lit. to retreat, yielding land or territory. 
2. Fig. to "retreat" from an idea or assertion that one has made. 

■ give ground : to change your opinions or your demands in a discussion or argument so that it becomes easier to make an agreement

■ ground

• (7) a position or viewpoint, as in an argument or controversy (esp in the phrases give ground, hold, stand, or shift one's ground)
• (8) position or advantage, as in a subject or competition (esp in the phrases gain ground, lose ground, etc.)

■ Ground is used in expressions such as gain ground, lose ground, and give ground in order to indicate that someone gets or loses an advantage. (JOURNALISM)

• There are signs that the party is gaining ground in the latest polls...
• The US dollar lost more ground.

.... McGraw-Hill Idioms, Cambridge Idioms, Collins, Cobuild