hold on
Third Person
holds on
Present Participle
holding on
Past Tense
held on
Past Participle
held on
1
to tell someone to wait or pause what they are doing momentarily
- The referee instructed the athletes to hold on while they reviewed the video replay.
- I need to take this call; can you hold on for a moment?
- Hold on!You forgot your keys on the kitchen counter.
- The teacher told the students to hold on while she checked their answers.
- Hold on, I need to tie my shoelaces before we continue our walk.
Synonyms:
2
to continue a course of action despite the difficulties or dangers
- The marathon runner felt exhausted but managed to hold on and finish the race.
- The rescue team encouraged the trapped miners to hold on as they worked to free them.
- The soldiers had to hold on through the harsh conditions of the winter campaign to secure victory.
- The medical team asked the patient to hold on just a little longer while they prepared for surgery.
- As the night grew colder and more desolate, the lost hiker knew he had to hold on until help arrived.
3
to continue to keep a firm grip or physical contact with something or someone
- She told her child to hold on to the railing while climbing the stairs.
- The hiker had to hold on to the rock ledge to avoid falling.
- Please hold on to the package tightly; it's fragile.
- The child held on tightly as the swing went higher and higher.
Synonyms:
4
to maintain a connection during a phone call, typically while waiting for someone to return or provide information
- Please hold on, I'll transfer you to the right department.
- Can you hold on for a moment?I need to consult with my supervisor.
- She asked me to hold on while she located the file.
- Please hold on, I'll see if Mr. Johnson is available to take your call.
- I'll hold on while you check if he's available to speak.
Synonyms:
5
to maintain possession of something
- He decided to hold on to his old car instead of buying a new one.
- It's wise to hold on to valuable collectibles for potential future value.
- She plans to hold on to the family heirlooms for generations to come.
- Hold on to that antique vase; it might be worth a lot in the future.
- She decided to hold on to her childhood toys for sentimental reasons.
Synonyms:
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