make a stand
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 make a stand. All the other kids in the class were too afraid to speak out, but Georgina decided to make a stand for what she knew was right.
make a stand
Hold firm against something or someone, as in The government was determined to make a stand against all forms of terrorism. This idiom transfers the early meaning of holding ground against an enemy to other issues. [c. 1600]
make a ˈstand (against/for/over/about/on something)
, take a ˈstand (on/over something)
argue, protest or fight because of something you believe in: This must never happen again; it’s time to make a stand. OPPOSITE: sit on the fence