1
general::
Phrase(s): hold the line (at someone or something)
Fig. not to exceed a certain limit regarding someone or something. • Having your wife on the payroll is one thing, but no one else from the family—I will hold the line at her. • We have to hold the line at this kind of expenditure. • Okay, we’ll hold the line.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Maintain the existing position or state of affairs. For example, We'll have to hold the line on spending until our profits rise. This term alludes to former military tactics, in which a line of troops was supposed to prevent an enemy breakthrough. Eventually, it was transferred to civilian enterprises. [Mid1900s]
American Heritage Idioms