hold one’s liquor: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hold one's liquor’ mean?
The idiom *hold one's liquor* means to be able to consume alcohol in large quantities without becoming drunk or losing control.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning to consume a large quantity of alcohol, usually resulting in getting drunk or excessively intoxicated.
Tie one on is a common idiom in American English that refers to getting drunk or excessively intoxicated. The phrase is informal and colloquial.
The idiom "in one's cups" refers to being drunk or intoxicated. It implies that someone has consumed so much alcohol that they are influenced or affected by it. The phrase is often used to describe someone who is behaving differently or experiencing the effects of excessive drinking.
The idiom "hold water" means to be logical, reasonable, or consistent. Something that "holds water" is considered valid or credible. If an argument, idea, or statement does not hold water, it is flawed or lacks evidence.
The idiom "hold the reins" means to have control or be in charge of a situation or group of people.
The idiom "hold the reins" has its origins in horseback riding and refers to the act of controlling a horse by holding the reins, which are the straps or ropes attached to a bridle that are used to guide and direct the horse's movements.
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 the cards" means to have the control or power in a situation.
The idiom "hold one's water" means to have self-control and not give in to the urge to urinate. It is often used in informal settings to ask someone to be patient and wait.
The idiom "hold one's tongue" means to not speak or to remain silent, typically when faced with a situation where speaking might be inappropriate or cause trouble.
The idiom "hold one's peace" means to remain silent or refrain from speaking, especially when it is important or expected to do so.
The idiom "hold one's peace" is commonly used in the English language. It is derived from the Old English word "peac," meaning peace or quietness. The phrase dates back to the 14th century and is still widely used today.
Unyielding Alcohol Resilience
The idiom "hold one's liquor" refers to the ability of a person to consume alcoholic beverages without becoming intoxicated or losing control. It suggests that the individual has a high tolerance for alcohol and is able to handle its effects without any adverse consequences. This idiom is commonly used in the United States to discuss someone's drinking abilities in casual conversation or social settings.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries in American English. However, its specific creator or origin story is uncertain, as idioms often evolve over time without a clear source. Nonetheless, "hold one's liquor" has become a well-known phrase that conveys strength and control in relation to alcohol consumption.
The idiom "hold one's alcohol" is closely related to "hold one's liquor." Both phrases convey a similar meaning and are used interchangeably. They describe the ability of an individual to handle alcohol without getting drunk or losing control. Someone who can "hold their alcohol" is able to drink a significant amount without experiencing negative effects or impairment.
The idiom "hold one's drink" is another variation of "hold one's liquor." It is used to describe someone's ability to consume alcohol without getting intoxicated. This phrase emphasizes a person's capacity to handle the effects of alcohol, highlighting their tolerance and control in drinking situations.
Another related idiom is "tie one on." This phrase refers to the act of consuming a large amount of alcohol, often to the point of getting drunk or intoxicated. Unlike "hold one's liquor," which focuses on the ability to handle alcohol without adverse effects, "tie one on" emphasizes excessive drinking and losing control.
Lastly, the idiom "hold one's water" is also related to "hold one's liquor." While "hold one's liquor" is specific to alcohol consumption, "hold one's water" can be used more broadly to describe someone's ability to control or manage themselves in any situation. It conveys the idea of maintaining composure and self-control, similar to how someone who can "hold their liquor" is able to handle alcohol without negative consequences.
The idiom "hold one's liquor" signifies the ability to consume alcohol without becoming intoxicated or exhibiting adverse effects. It originated in American English in the late 19th or early 20th century and conveys a sense of strength and control. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe someone's ability to handle challenging situations beyond alcohol consumption. The idiom encapsulates the notion of composure and resilience, highlighting an individual's ability to maintain control in the face of potential intoxication or difficulty. Through its usage, it provides a cultural reference point to discuss and evaluate drinking abilities and personal strength.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hold one's liquor" can be used in a sentence:
- She can hold her liquor well and never gets drunk at parties.
- Even though he drank a lot, he was still able to hold his liquor and remain coherent.
- It's important to know your limit and be able to hold your liquor responsibly.
More "Alcohol" idioms
