hold on: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hold on’ mean?
Hold on means to keep a firm grip or not let go of something physically. It can also mean to continue doing or believing in something despite difficulties or challenges.
Idiom Explorer
In everyday speech, the idiom "on hold" is widely used to refer to the act of temporarily suspending or pausing something or someone. It goes beyond its literal sense of placing a phone call on hold and can be applied to various situations and contexts.
The idiom "keep on trucking" means to persist or continue working hard despite difficulties or setbacks.
The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.
The idiom "keep it up" means to continue doing something with the same effort and determination. It is often used to encourage or praise someone for their persistence or hard work.
"Keep it moving" means to continue forward or progress without stopping or getting distracted. It suggests maintaining a steady pace or momentum in order to achieve a goal or avoid wasting time.
The idiom "hold together" means to stay unified, despite challenges or difficulties, and not fall apart or disintegrate.
The idiom "hold together" is commonly used in the English language to describe the act of maintaining unity or cohesion in a group or an object. It implies the ability to keep all the different parts or elements intact and functioning properly, despite potential challenges or pressures.
The idiom "hold the line" means to remain in a current position or keep a situation stable, often in the face of difficulty or opposition.
The idiom *hold tack* means to continue with an activity or plan even when facing challenges or obstacles. It suggests perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
The idiom *hold one's breath* means to wait with anticipation or expectation, often for something uncertain or unlikely to happen. It implies not breathing due to anxiety or excitement. The phrase is figurative and not meant to be taken literally.
The idiom "hold off" means to delay or keep something or someone at a distance. It implies waiting or resisting until a more suitable time or condition.
Clinging to hope
The idiom "hold on" is related to several other idioms that carry similar meanings. These idioms include "hold fast," "hold firm," "hang on," and "hold the line."
"Hold fast" is an idiomatic expression that means to remain strongly committed to something or to hold onto it tightly. It often implies perseverance and determination in the face of obstacles or challenges. Similar to "hold on," it can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a firm grip and not letting go.
"Hold firm" is another related idiom that conveys a similar message of determination and resolve. This idiom suggests the need to stay steady and unwavering in one's beliefs, decisions, or actions. It emphasizes the idea of not yielding or giving in to pressure or opposition.
"Hang on" is a colloquial expression that shares similarities with "hold on." It is often used to encourage someone to persevere or remain patient in a challenging or difficult situation. The phrase conveys the idea of not letting go or giving up and implies the need to stay hopeful and resilient.
"Hold the line" is an idiom that stems from the communication context, specifically in telephone conversations. It is used to request someone to wait or remain on the line without ending the call. In a broader sense, "hold the line" can also be used metaphorically to ask someone to maintain their position, perspective, or determination in a particular situation.
Understanding the meanings and usage of these related idioms can provide a richer understanding of the various ways in which "hold on" can be used in everyday language.
The idiom "hold on" has multifaceted meanings and uses. It can be used literally to maintain physical stability or avoid falling. Figuratively, it is often used to mean to wait or pause for a moment. Additionally, "hold on" can convey concepts of perseverance, determination, and resilience. It can also be used to provide emotional support and encouragement. The origins and etymology of the idiom are uncertain, but it likely originates from the physical act of grasping or holding onto something. Overall, understanding related idioms such as "hold fast," "hold firm," "hang on," and "hold the line" can deepen our appreciation for the complexities and versatility of the English language.
Example usage
Examples:
- Hold on tight to the railing while you walk down the stairs.
- Hold on, I'll be right back with the key you need.
- Hold on to your dreams and never give up.
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