hold on

To wait for a short time.

• Hold on a moment, please.
• Can you hold on while I get my bag?
• I held on for a minute, but nobody answered.

How to use it: hold on while … (Hold on while I find your number.)

Similar words: wait, hang on

Common phrases: hold on please, hold on a moment

To keep a firm grip on something so you do not fall or lose it.

• Hold on tightly to the rope.
• She held on to my hand as we crossed.
• Can you hold on while I pull you up?

How to use it: hold on to someone/something (Hold on to the rail as you climb.)

Similar words: grip, cling

Opposites: let go

Common phrases: hold on tightly, hold on to something

To continue despite problems, pain, or the risk of failure.

• Hold on; help is coming.
• The little shop held on through years of poor sales.
• How much longer can they hold on without food?

Similar words: persist, hang on, keep going

Opposites: give up

Common phrases: hold on longer, hold on bravely

To keep something safe, often for someone who will collect it later.

• Hold on to my coat for me.
• She held on to our tickets until we arrived.
• I will hold on to your keys while you swim.

How to use it: hold on to something for someone (Can you hold on to this bag for me?)

Similar words: keep, look after

Common phrases: hold on to something, hold on to tickets

To keep an advantage, a strong position, or something useful rather than lose or use it.

• They held on to their lead.
• She is holding on to her best cards until the final round.
• Can the champion hold on to his title?

How to use it: hold on to something (The team held on to its narrow lead.)

Similar words: retain, keep

Opposites: lose

Common phrases: hold on to something, hold on to power

To continue supporting someone or something even when other people stop.

• Other fans left, but he held on.
• She held on to her faith in the team through years of defeat.
• They still hold on to the cause they supported as students.

How to use it: hold on to something (She held on to her faith in the movement.)

Similar words: stay loyal, remain faithful

Opposites: abandon

Common phrases: hold on faithfully, hold on to something