hold
hold — verb
1. to grip something using your fingers and palm so that it stays where it is and d
to grip something using your fingers and palm so that it stays where it is and does not fall or get taken away
The toddler held his mother's hand tightly while crossing the street.
hold + body part for security
Can you hold this bag for me while I look for my keys?
Nikos held the old photograph carefully, afraid it might tear.
Devika held the warm cup of tea in both hands as she sat by the window.
hold + object in hands — physical grasp
The librarian asked the children to hold their books with both hands.
- hold + object
- hold + hand
- hold + bag
- hold + tightly
Grammar Patterns
hold + object
Usage Note
This sense focuses on the physical act of grasping or keeping something in the hand. It differs from sense 2 (SUPPORT WEIGHT), which is about bearing the weight of a person or object from below.
Common Mistakes
2. to bear the load of someone or something from underneath, keeping them upright a
to bear the load of someone or something from underneath, keeping them upright and preventing them from falling
Four thick pillars hold the roof of the old temple.
subject = structure that bears weight
Ilan held the ladder steady while his sister climbed up to the attic.
The bridge is strong enough to hold the weight of heavy trucks.
hold + the weight of + noun
A single nail cannot hold that heavy picture frame on the wall.
These shelves are too weak to hold all those heavy books.
hold + all those + noun (collocation with load)
- hold + weight
- hold + up
- hold + steady
- hold + roof
- hold + ladder
Grammar Patterns
hold + object
hold + up + object
Usage Note
Common with subjects referring to structures, furniture, or body parts that bear pressure from below. Not used for hanging or suspending (use 'support' or 'suspend' instead).
Common Mistakes
3. if a pair of people hold hands, each person grasps the other hand in their own,
if a pair of people hold hands, each person grasps the other hand in their own, often to express that they care for one another or to feel safe together
The elderly couple held hands as they walked slowly through the park.
hold hands as a sign of affection
Sahil reached out and held her hand during the scary movie.
Small children often hold their parents' hands in crowded places.
The dancers formed a circle and held one another's hands.
reciprocal use: hold one another's hands
Minho asked if he could hold her hand, and she smiled and nodded.
- hold hands
- hold + hand
- hold + one another's hands
- clasp hands
more formal, often used in ceremonial or dramatic contexts
Grammar Patterns
hold hands
hold + possessive + hand
Usage Note
The phrase 'hold hands' (no article before 'hands') is a fixed expression describing mutual action. 'Hold someone's hand' is one-directional — only one person does the holding.
Common Mistakes
4. to provide enough interior room for a given number of people or a given amount o
to provide enough interior room for a given number of people or a given amount of things
This suitcase is small but it can hold enough clothes for a week.
hold + enough + noun for a period
The newly built sports stadium holds fifty thousand cheering fans.
Each bottle holds about seven hundred millilitres of water.
The concert hall can hold nearly two thousand people.
can hold + number + people
My car only holds four passengers, so we will need two cars for the trip.
- hold + people
- hold + litres/millilitres
- hold + passengers
- hold + capacity
- contain
more formal; focuses on what is inside rather than capacity
- accommodate
specifically for people; suggests comfort and suitability
- take
informal; 'the boot takes three suitcases'
Grammar Patterns
hold + quantity
hold + number of people/things
Usage Note
Not used in continuous tenses ('is holding' as 'containing' is incorrect in standard English). Often used with 'can' to express capacity.
Common Mistakes
5. when speaking about what is to come, hold means that a future time or situation
when speaking about what is to come, hold means that a future time or situation contains something that will take place or be encountered
Nobody knows what the future holds for us.
what the future holds for [someone]
Lucía wondered what her new job would hold for her.
The coming year holds many exciting changes for the company.
the coming year holds + noun phrase
Life holds many surprises, both good and bad.
The expedition's journey through the desert held challenges they had not expected.
journey / experience + held + unexpected things
- future holds
- life holds
- year holds
- what + noun + holds + for
Grammar Patterns
hold + for + someone
what + noun + holds
Usage Note
Almost always used with abstract subjects such as 'future', 'year', 'life', 'journey'. The object is typically something unknown or not yet revealed. Cannot be used with a concrete, specific time in the past (*'last Tuesday held a meeting').
Common Mistakes
6. to contain a certain trait, feature, or degree of worth inside itself — for inst
to contain a certain trait, feature, or degree of worth inside itself — for instance, an idea that holds appeal, a role that holds potential, or a place that holds importance for someone
The idea of living abroad holds a strong appeal for many young people.
holds + appeal for [someone]
This old house holds great sentimental value for the family.
The research holds important lessons for doctors treating the disease.
Sade's proposal holds a lot of promise for improving public transport.
holds + a lot of + promise / potential
The museum holds a special place in the hearts of local residents.
- hold + appeal
- hold + value
- hold + promise
- hold + significance
- hold + meaning
- lack
to not have a quality
Grammar Patterns
hold + abstract noun
hold + appeal/attraction/value
Usage Note
The subject is usually an abstract thing (idea, plan, object) and the object is an abstract quality (appeal, value, promise, significance). Not used with concrete qualities like colour or size.
Common Mistakes
7. to own or keep control of something important or valuable, such as an official p
to own or keep control of something important or valuable, such as an official position, a large amount of money, an academic qualification, a sports record, or a piece of land under your command.
Sana holds a degree in chemistry from the National University of Singapore.
hold + academic qualification
The company holds the rights to sell the medicine in Southeast Asia.
hold + legal rights/permit
Hassan holds the world record for the fastest marathon run on sand.
hold + record/title
Xiu was determined to hold the castle walls until the soldiers arrived.
hold + defensive position
The rebel army has held the eastern part of the city for six months.
- hold a position
- hold a record
- hold a degree
- hold territory
- hold office
- hold the fort
Grammar Patterns
hold + noun phrase (position/territory/qualification/record)
Usage Note
Frequently used with nouns that indicate status, authority, or territory — such as position, office, degree, record, land, or rights. The defensive meaning ('hold the fort / hold territory') is common in military and sports contexts.
Common Mistakes
8. to be in a particular position within a race, contest, or ranking list.
to be in a particular position within a race, contest, or ranking list.
Eve holds second place in the national chess tournament this year.
hold + rank/place in competition
New Zealand now holds the top spot in the world rugby rankings.
Pedro held third position for most of the race before he fell back.
hold + position + for + duration
The team has held the lead for six straight games this season.
hold the lead
- hold first place
- hold the lead
- hold a position
- hold the top spot
- hold the number one spot
Grammar Patterns
hold + (the/NOUN) + rank/position + in/of + competition
Usage Note
Always used with a number or rank word (first, second, top, third) and a named competition, ranking, or domain. The structure is 'hold + (the) + rank + in/of + competition.'
Common Mistakes
9. to set something aside or keep it available for yourself or someone else to use
to set something aside or keep it available for yourself or someone else to use later, especially when there is a risk of losing it if you do not act.
Hannah asked the front desk to hold her room until Friday evening.
hold + reservation for someone
Could you hold a copy of the report for me while I am away?
hold + something + for + someone
Bilal always holds some of his pay to use during the summer break.
The library agreed to hold the rare book for the visiting professor.
hold + item + for + person
- hold a room
- hold a table
- hold a seat
- hold something for someone
- hold an item
- reserve
more formal; often used for bookings and appointments
- keep aside
less formal; common in everyday speech
- save
simpler alternative; common with money or time
Grammar Patterns
hold + noun + for + someone
hold + noun + (prepositional phrase of time)
Usage Note
Often used in service contexts: hotels hold rooms, shops hold items, restaurants hold tables. The pattern 'hold + something + for + someone' is very common. Not used for physical keeping in your hands — that is sense 1.
Common Mistakes
10. to keep a person in a place and stop them from leaving, often by using force or
to keep a person in a place and stop them from leaving, often by using force or authority.
The police held the man at the station for questioning overnight.
hold + person for questioning
Eli was held by the security team until the manager checked the cameras.
passive: be held by authority
The teacher held the students after the bell because of their behaviour.
Kidnappers held the family hostage for three days.
hold + hostage
- hold someone hostage
- hold a prisoner
- hold someone for questioning
- be held in custody
Grammar Patterns
hold + person + (place)
be held + by + authority
Usage Note
The subject is usually an authority figure or group (police, security, captors, a teacher). Frequently used in the passive voice: 'be held + by + authority.' Not used for keeping objects — only people or groups.
Common Mistakes
11. to organise and run a gathering or planned activity where people take part — for
to organise and run a gathering or planned activity where people take part — for instance, a meeting, a ceremony, an election, a class, or a party.
The school holds a graduation ceremony every year in early June.
hold + ceremony/event
We will hold the board meeting on Tuesday morning at ten o'clock.
The university is holding a conference on climate change next month.
hold + conference on [topic]
Andrés and his family hold a big party every New Year's Eve.
Talks between the two countries were held in Geneva last week.
passive: talks were held
- hold a meeting
- hold an election
- hold a ceremony
- hold a party
- hold a conference
- hold talks
- cancel
to decide that a planned event will not happen
Grammar Patterns
hold + event noun (meeting/election/ceremony/party/conference)
Usage Note
Common with event nouns: meeting, election, ceremony, conference, party, class, conversation, talks. Can be used in the passive voice ('talks were held'). This is the most straightforward sense for a B1 learner — the translation '舉行' helps distinguish it from other senses.
Common Mistakes
12. to remain in a fixed way without changing or becoming weaker; or to make somethi
to remain in a fixed way without changing or becoming weaker; or to make something continue steady and unchanged.
The silk held its bright colour even after many months of washing.
hold + quality (colour/shape/size)
Eli held his speed for the last two kilometres of the race.
If the weather holds, we can go hiking this weekend.
intransitive: if the weather holds
The rope held tight despite the heavy weight it was carrying.
hold + adjective (tight)
Xiu held the pose for three minutes without moving a muscle.
- hold steady
- hold still
- hold firm
- hold true
- hold in place
- hold the pose
Grammar Patterns
hold + noun + adjective (hold steady/straight)
subject + hold (intransitive: weather/rope/luck)
Usage Note
Can be used transitively ('hold + noun + adjective/unchanged') or intransitively ('if the weather/rope/luck holds'). The intransitive use is common in fixed expressions like 'if the weather holds' or 'tight hold.' Distinguish from sense 9 (SAVE) — that sense is about setting something aside for later; this sense is about keeping something constant.
Common Mistakes
13. to have a particular belief or opinion about something — for example, holding th
to have a particular belief or opinion about something — for example, holding that a policy is wrong, or holding a strong view on a topic.
Christopher holds that speaking daily is the best way to learn a language.
hold + that-clause for expressing a belief
Padma holds strong opinions about how the city should spend its money.
hold + strong opinions about [topic]
My grandmother holds a firm belief in the value of hard work.
Many residents in the village hold the view that tourism has helped their local economy.
hold the view that + clause
The director holds that every member of the team deserves equal credit.
- hold an opinion
- hold a belief
- hold the view that
- hold that
- hold firmly
- doubt
to lack conviction about something
Grammar Patterns
hold + that-clause
hold + an opinion/a belief + about/on
Usage Note
This sense is not used in continuous tenses (❌ 'I am holding that...'). It pairs most naturally with nouns like opinion, view, belief, or idea.
Common Mistakes
14. to decide that a specific person or group caused a problem or did something wron
to decide that a specific person or group caused a problem or did something wrong, and that they must accept the consequences.
The court held the construction company responsible for the bridge's collapse.
hold + [entity] + responsible for [negative outcome]
The voters will hold the government accountable for failing to improve public schools.
hold + [authority] + accountable for [failure]
Niran was held personally liable for the financial losses of the project.
passive: be held liable for [loss/harm]
The parents held the school responsible for not informing them about the incident sooner.
If the equipment fails, the manufacturer will be held accountable for the damage.
- hold responsible
- hold accountable
- hold liable
- held accountable for
- blame
less formal and does not require a complement structure; 'blame someone for something' is simpler
- make answerable
more formal and explicitly emphasises the duty to explain or justify actions
- absolve
to declare someone free from blame or responsibility
Grammar Patterns
hold + sb + responsible/accountable/liable + for + sth
Usage Note
The object complement is most commonly responsible, accountable, or liable. This sense frequently appears in legal, political, or formal contexts.
Common Mistakes
15. to have a particular opinion about someone or something, believing them to have
to have a particular opinion about someone or something, believing them to have a certain quality or to be a particular kind of person or thing.
The committee holds this proposal to be the most practical solution available.
hold + [object] + to be + [judgment]
Most students hold Professor Okafor to be one of the best teachers in the department.
Élise holds her older brother to be the kindest person she has ever known.
The local community holds the annual parade to be an important celebration of their heritage.
hold + [event] + to be + [value judgment]
The judge held the witness's statement to be unreliable and dismissed it from the case.
- hold to be
- held to be
Grammar Patterns
hold + sb/sth + to be + adj/noun
Usage Note
This sense typically takes the pattern 'hold + object + to be + complement'. It is more formal than 'think' or 'consider' and is common in legal, academic, and official statements.
Common Mistakes
16. to pause briefly, or to keep something from moving forward or being dealt with t
to pause briefly, or to keep something from moving forward or being dealt with temporarily.
The airline held the plane until the passengers from the delayed flight arrived.
transitive: hold + [vehicle/service] + until [condition]
Can you hold my coffee order while I run to the cash machine?
Emre asked the receptionist to hold his mail until he returned from his trip.
hold + [mail/packages] + until [time]
The teacher held the test results until every student had finished the make-up exam.
Please hold your applause until all the performers have left the stage.
hold + [action] + until [condition] — request to pause
- hold for
- hold until
- hold the
- hold your
Grammar Patterns
hold + for + time period
hold + on
hold + object (delay)
Usage Note
When used intransitively (e.g. 'hold for a moment'), this sense often appears in phone or service contexts. The transitive use (hold + object) means 'keep something back temporarily'.
17. a request made when ordering food or drink, asking the server to leave out a spe
a request made when ordering food or drink, asking the server to leave out a specific ingredient from the order.
I'll have a grilled chicken sandwich, but please hold the onions.
imperative: hold the [ingredient]
Layla asked the waiter to hold the cheese on her salad as she is dairy-free.
A customer at the restaurant ordered a burger and told them to hold the pickles and ketchup.
A woman at the coffee shop asked the barista to hold the whipped cream on her hot chocolate.
hold + [topping] + on + [drink/food]
Could you hold the dressing on my pasta salad and bring it on the side?
- hold the
- hold the onions
- hold the cheese
- please hold
Grammar Patterns
hold + the + ingredient
Usage Note
Used almost exclusively in restaurant or food-service situations. The structure is always 'hold + the + ingredient'. The speaker assumes the ingredient would normally come with the dish.
Common Mistakes
18. to keep someone interested or paying attention to something, usually because it
to keep someone interested or paying attention to something, usually because it is entertaining or compelling.
The documentary held the audience's attention from the very first scene.
hold + [person/audience]'s + attention
A good mystery novel should hold the reader's interest until the final chapter.
hold + [person]'s + interest
The street musician's performance held the crowd spellbound for almost an hour.
hold + [person/group] + spellbound
Zuri's storytelling held the children captivated throughout the long bus ride.
The professor's lecture held the students' fascination even though the topic was difficult.
hold + [person]'s + fascination
- hold attention
- hold interest
- hold spellbound
- hold captivated
- hold fascination
Grammar Patterns
hold + sb's + attention/interest/fascination
hold + sb + adjective (spellbound/captive)
Usage Note
The most typical objects are attention, interest, fascination, or a person followed by an adjective like spellbound or captivated. The sense implies sustained engagement, not just a momentary reaction.
19. When a statement, rule, or argument holds, it is still correct or valid in a par
When a statement, rule, or argument holds, it is still correct or valid in a particular situation.
The same principle holds for all teams in the competition.
hold for + noun phrase — introducing the situation
Does this argument still hold when you consider the latest findings?
Daichi's warning about the risks holds true for both beginners and experts.
hold true — common fixed phrase meaning 'remain valid'
The judge decided that the old law no longer holds in this case.
hold in + [situation]
Nkechi's theory holds when tested against the experimental data.
- hold true
- holds for
- holds in
- no longer holds
- apply
more commonly used for rules and conditions; 'hold' is more about logical validity
- stand
suggests an argument remains unchallenged; 'hold' implies it withstands scrutiny
- remain valid
more formal and explicit than 'hold'
Grammar Patterns
hold (true) for something
hold in something
Usage Note
Frequently used with 'for' to introduce the situation where the statement applies. The fixed expression 'hold true' is common and idiomatic.
Common Mistakes
20. To have the ability to drink alcohol, sometimes in large amounts, without becomi
To have the ability to drink alcohol, sometimes in large amounts, without becoming drunk or showing ill effects.
Tuan cannot hold his liquor at all — one glass of beer makes him dizzy.
cannot hold one's liquor — common idiomatic expression
Shirin can really hold her wine; she drank three glasses and stayed completely alert.
Most people cannot hold more than two or three glasses of wine in an evening.
hold + quantity of alcohol — measuring tolerance
Rodrigo can hold his alcohol surprisingly well even though he rarely drinks.
The bartender said Bao could not hold his drinks despite his tall build.
- hold one's liquor
- hold one's drink
- hold one's wine
- hold alcohol
- can't hold
the most natural antonym — the negative form of the same expression
Grammar Patterns
can/can't hold one's liquor/wine/drink
can/can't hold + quantity of alcohol
Usage Note
Almost always paired with 'can', 'could', or their negatives to express capacity. The object is typically 'liquor', 'wine', 'beer', 'drink', or the general term 'alcohol'.
Common Mistakes
hold against
phrasal verbTo let something bad that someone did affect your opinion of them.
I don't hold his past mistakes against him anymore.
She held his rude comment against him for years.
hold back
phrasal verbTo stop yourself from showing a feeling or doing something.
He held back his tears during the sad movie.
Don't hold back; tell me exactly what you think.
hold down
phrasal verbTo keep something at a low level, or to keep a job successfully.
The company is trying to hold down costs this year.
She has held down a full-time job while studying.
hold forth
phrasal verbTo talk about something for a long time, often in a boring way.
The professor held forth on the history of the Roman Empire.
At dinner, Uncle Brian held forth about his political views.
hold in
phrasal verbTo not show a feeling that you are experiencing.
She tried to hold in her laughter during the serious meeting.
It's not healthy to hold in your anger all the time.
hold off
phrasal verbTo delay doing something, or to stop someone from attacking or winning.
The team held off the opponent's attack until the end.
Let's hold off on making a decision until next week.
hold on
phrasal verbTo wait, especially on the phone, or to keep holding something tightly.
Hold on a moment while I check the schedule.
The climber held on to the rope as the wind blew.
hold onto
phrasal verbTo keep something in your hand or keep it for yourself.
Hold onto the railing so you don't fall down the stairs.
You should hold onto that old photograph; it's valuable.
hold on to
phrasal verbTo keep something that you have, or to keep your beliefs or principles.
She held on to her dream of becoming a doctor.
Hold on to your ticket until you leave the station.
hold out
phrasal verbTo continue to resist or survive in a difficult situation.
The small town held out against the enemy for weeks.
I hope our food supplies hold out until help arrives.
hold out for
phrasal verbTo wait until you get what you want, especially a better offer.
The union is holding out for a better pay raise.
She decided to hold out for a job with higher salary.
hold out on
phrasal verbTo refuse to give something, especially information or money, to someone.
He's been holding out on us about the surprise party.
Don't hold out on me; I need to know the truth.
hold over
phrasal verbTo delay or postpone something to a later time.
The meeting was held over until next Tuesday.
They decided to hold over the decision until more data is available.
hold to
phrasal verbTo keep a promise, agreement, or principle; not to change it.
We must hold to our original plan despite the difficulties.
She always holds to her principles, no matter what.
hold together
phrasal verbTo stay united or in one piece, or to cause something to do so.
The old house barely holds together after the earthquake.
Good communication helps hold a team together.
hold up
phrasal verbTo delay someone or something, or to rob a place using a weapon.
Traffic held us up for over an hour this morning.
Two men held up the bank and escaped with the money.
hold with
phrasal verbTo agree with or approve of something, usually used in negative sentences.
I don't hold with the idea of punishing children harshly.
My parents don't hold with staying out late on school nights.
hold good
idiomIf something holds good, it continues to be true or valid.
The same rule holds good for all students in this school.
Does this agreement still hold good after the changes?
hold it
idiomUsed to tell someone to stop what they are doing or wait.
Hold it! I need to tie my shoelace before we go.
Hold it right there, please. The manager wants to see you.
To hold something very tightly because you are afraid of falling or losing it.
The child held on for grim death to his mother's hand.
During the storm, Sara hung on like grim death to the railing.
Used to say that someone is so determined or excited that nothing can stop them.
Once Maya starts talking about her travels, there is no holding her.
When the band began to play, there was no holding the excited crowd.
hold — noun
1. the action of gripping or carrying something with your hands or arms, or the par
the action of gripping or carrying something with your hands or arms, or the particular way in which you do this
Jude kept a firm hold on the railing as he walked down the icy steps.
collocation: firm hold on something
Andrei adjusted his hold on the heavy box before crossing the street.
pattern: hold + on + object (thing carried)
The toddler's hold on her mother's hand was surprisingly strong.
Anthony readjusted his hold on the tennis racket and served the ball.
- firm hold
- tight hold
- loose hold
- keep a hold on
- lose your hold
- adjust your hold
- release
the act of letting go
Grammar Patterns
a/the hold on/of something
Usage Note
Commonly used with adjectives that describe the strength or quality of the grip, such as firm, tight, weak, or loose.
Common Mistakes
2. the moment or action of starting to grip something firmly — used in the fixed ph
the moment or action of starting to grip something firmly — used in the fixed phrases 'take hold of', 'get hold of', and 'catch hold of'
Sade caught hold of the rope and pulled herself up onto the deck.
phrase: catch hold of
Yan took hold of his little sister's hand before they crossed the busy road.
phrase: take hold of
Tuan got hold of the boat's edge just as a wave crashed over him.
phrase: get hold of
The firefighter reached out and caught hold of the child's arm.
- take hold of
- get hold of
- catch hold of
- tighten your hold on
- let go
to release from one's grip
Grammar Patterns
take/get/catch hold of someone/something
Usage Note
This sense appears almost exclusively in the verb + noun collocations 'take/get/catch hold of'. The choice between the three verbs is stylistic: 'catch hold of' is more urgent, 'get hold of' is more casual.
Common Mistakes
3. a technique used in combat sports such as wrestling or judo, where one person gr
a technique used in combat sports such as wrestling or judo, where one person grips the other to keep them from being able to break free
Emre put his opponent in a tight headlock and held it for several seconds.
specific hold: headlock
The wrestler's hold was so strong that Adina could not break free.
In judo class, Faisal practised a new hold on his training partner.
The referee checked that the hold was legal before letting the match continue.
- tight hold
- break a hold
- escape a hold
- put someone in a hold
- legal hold
Grammar Patterns
a hold on someone
Usage Note
Each combat sport has its own named holds, such as 'headlock', 'full nelson', or 'armbar'. The word itself does not name a specific technique.
4. a place on a surface, such as a rock face or a climbing wall, where you can put
a place on a surface, such as a rock face or a climbing wall, where you can put your hands or feet to support yourself while climbing
Adina searched for a good hold on the rock face before moving upward.
collocation: hold on a rock face
The climbing wall had colourful plastic holds in many different shapes.
Dylan found a small hold for his right foot just above the crack.
foot hold for climbing
Without enough good holds, the climbers had to stop and go back down.
- good hold
- small hold
- hand hold
- foot hold
- find a hold
- lose your hold
Grammar Patterns
a hold for your hands/feet
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 describes the action of gripping something, while this sense names a physical feature or object that is used for gripping.
5. complete power or influence over a person, a situation, or an organization, espe
complete power or influence over a person, a situation, or an organization, especially when this is difficult to break or resist
Paloma's new company quickly gained a strong hold on the smartphone market.
collocation: gain a hold on the market
The teacher's hold over her students came from years of fairness and respect.
pattern: hold over someone
Christopher felt the old anxieties begin to lose their hold on him.
The two political parties fought fiercely for control, but neither gained a lasting hold.
- strong hold
- tight hold
- gain a hold on
- lose your hold on
- break its hold
- hold over someone
- freedom
the state of being free from control
- independence
not being subject to another's authority
Grammar Patterns
a hold on/over someone/something
Usage Note
Frequently used with adjectives like 'strong', 'powerful', 'tight', or verbs like 'gain', 'keep', 'lose', 'break'. The preposition can be either 'on' or 'over', with 'over' slightly more common for influence over people.
Common Mistakes
6. a musical symbol that tells the performer to hold a note or a pause for longer t
a musical symbol that tells the performer to hold a note or a pause for longer than its usual written length
The conductor pointed to the fermata and held the note for two extra beats.
symbol name: fermata
A small arc with a dot above a note shows where the hold is marked.
During the hold on that high note, the singer took a quiet breath.
The pianist waited for the hold to end before beginning the next section.
- hold a note
- hold a rest
- under a hold
- fermata symbol
Usage Note
In musical terminology, the hold is also called a 'fermata'. Musicians often say 'hold the note' or 'observe the fermata'. The symbol resembles a small arc with a dot under it.
7. the situation when someone using a telephone waits for the person they are calli
the situation when someone using a telephone waits for the person they are calling to become free to speak, often with music or a recorded message playing in the background
Élise waited on hold for twenty minutes before speaking to a customer service agent.
on hold — waiting on the phone
The receptionist put Sora on hold while he checked the appointment schedule.
put [someone] on hold
A recorded voice told callers their call mattered and asked them to stay on hold.
After being on hold for an hour, Hoa hung up and tried calling again later.
Being put on hold is one of the worst parts of calling a busy hospital.
passive: be put on hold
- on hold
- put someone on hold
- be on hold
- stay on hold
- place someone on hold
- waiting
more general; 'on hold' is specific to telephone calls
Usage Note
Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'on hold' or 'put someone on hold'. The length of time is often specified (for five minutes, for an hour).
Common Mistakes
8. a state in which a plan, project, or activity is paused until a later time, ofte
a state in which a plan, project, or activity is paused until a later time, often because of problems or a need to wait for something
The building project was put on hold after the company ran out of money.
put on hold — delay a project
Megan decided to put her travel plans on hold until she finished her final exams.
Work on the bridge has been on hold for six months due to safety concerns.
passive: has been on hold
The committee placed the discussion on hold until the missing documents could be found.
placed [something] on hold
Elena's application remained on hold while the university reviewed her additional materials.
- on hold
- put something on hold
- keep something on hold
- place something on hold
- be on hold
- remain on hold
- pause
similar meaning but less formal; 'on hold' implies a longer or indefinite postponement
- suspension
more formal; often suggests an official decision to stop temporarily
- postponement
implies a new date has been set, whereas 'on hold' may not specify when it resumes
- green light
informal; permission to proceed
Usage Note
Commonly appears in fixed phrases: 'on hold', 'put/keep/place something on hold'. Unlike sense 7 (PHONE CALL), this sense applies to activities, projects, and processes rather than phone conversations.
Common Mistakes
9. a large enclosed space below the main deck of a boat or an aeroplane, used for s
a large enclosed space below the main deck of a boat or an aeroplane, used for storing goods, luggage, or supplies during a journey
The workers loaded hundreds of boxes into the cargo hold of the ship.
cargo hold — storage area in a ship
Aarav's luggage was stored in the hold during the transatlantic flight.
The fishing boat had a small hold at the front for storing the day's catch.
Inspectors checked the cargo hold for any illegal items before the plane took off.
Damage to the hold caused some food supplies to get wet during the voyage.
- cargo hold
- in the hold
- the hold of a ship/plane
- below the hold
- cargo bay
more common for aircraft; 'hold' is more common for ships
- storage compartment
general term; less specific to ships and aircraft
no holds barred
idiomwith no rules or limits — used to describe a situation where anything is allowed to achieve a goal
The election campaign turned into a no-holds-barred fight between the two candidates.
Her no-holds-barred approach to business made her both famous and feared.
take hold
idiomto become established or start to have a strong effect — used for ideas, beliefs, customs, or physical processes
The new fashion trend took hold among teenagers across the country.
As the fire took hold, thick black smoke rose above the building.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
All five words involve taking or maintaining control of something with the hand, but they differ in force, duration, and purpose. 'Hold' is the neutral, all-purpose term — it simply means keeping something in your hand without letting go. 'Grip' suggests tighter, more forceful holding (a climber grips a rope, not a teacup). 'Grasp' focuses on the action of reaching out and taking hold, often with effort or determination. 'Clutch' implies a sudden, desperate grab driven by fear or urgency — you clutch a railing when you slip. 'Keep' is broader and overlaps only partly: you can keep a secret or keep a pet, but not *keep a hand* (use 'hold' for physical hand-holding). Compare: 'She held the baby gently' (neutral) vs. 'She gripped the steering wheel' (tight, in control) vs. 'She clutched her bag on the dark street' (anxious).
Common collocations
Etymology
The verb 'hold' comes from Old English 'healdan' (to grasp, keep, possess), which traces back to Proto-Germanic *haldaną. Its original sense was 'to tend, keep watch over' — a meaning still visible in 'shepherd' (from 'sheep-herd'). The noun sense developed from the verb in Old English, referring to the act of gripping or the place where something is kept. By Middle English, the word had already acquired many of its modern abstract meanings.