stick at something—
1. continue to deal with smth. or work hard at smth. (in spite of difficulties):
- He will stick at his task, although he’s going to be dumped when his contract expires.
2. refuse to go further; object to smth.:
- He will stick at a request to perjure himself.
3. be unable to go further:
- John will always stick at higher mathematics—he will never understand the subject.
stick to something—
1. attach to smth.:
- This label will stick to the paper, it is already gummed.
2. limit oneself to smth.:
- You’ll be all right if you stick to the main roads, they’re kept clear of snow.
3. = stick at something 1:
- The question is whether he has the concentration and discipline required to stick to his task for four quarters.
4. adhere to smth.; be true to smth.:
- When he makes a commitment, he will stick to what he said.
stick with something—
1. = stick at something 1:
- Even though the project may come out different … if you stick with the task, you will succeed.
2. = stick to something 4:
- President Bush ought to stick with what he said last night.