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Phrase(s): hold on
to be patient. • Just hold on. Everything will work out in good time. • If you will just hold on, everything will probably be all right., Phrase(s): a hold on something
Go to a grip on something., Phrase(s): Hold on (a minute)! [and] Hold on for a minute!
Stop right there!; Wait a minute! (Minute can be replaced by moment, second, or other time periods.) • Bob: Hold on, Tom. Tom: What? Bob: I want to talk to you. • "Hold on!" hollered Tom. "You’re running off with my shopping cart!", Phrase(s): hold on (to someone or something)
Go to hang on (to someone or something)., Phrase(s): *a hold on someone
a strong and secure influence on someone. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) • The strange religion seemed to have a strong hold on its followers. • The drug has a hold on the minds of those who use it.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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1. Also, hold on to. Maintain one's grip, cling, as in Hold on to your hat in this wind, or The early Christians held on to their beliefs despite strong opposition. [Early 1500s] 2. Continue to do something, persist, as in Please hold on for a while longer. [Late 1800s] 3. Stop, wait, as in Hold on! We can't go past this gate. [Mid-1800s] 4. Remain on a telephone line, as in If you can hold on a minute I'll go and find her. [Late 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms