having in your hands

English translation unavailable for having in your hands.

hold

hold [verb] (CONTAIN)

To take and keep something in your hand or arms

US /hoʊld/ 
UK /həʊld/ 

(با دست‌) گرفتن‌، نگهداشتن‌

Example: 

Can you hold the bag while I open the door?

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (holds, holding, held /, has held)

1 to have something in your hand or arms:
She was holding a gun.
He held the baby in his arms.

2 to keep something in a certain way:
Hold your hand up.
Try to hold the camera still.

3 to support the weight of somebody or something:
Are you sure that branch will hold you?

4 to have space for a certain number or amount:
The car holds five people.

5 to make something happen:
The meeting was held in the town hall.
It's impossible to hold a conversation with him.

hold somebody or something back to stop somebody or something from moving forwards:
The police held back the crowd.

Hold it! (informal) Wait! Don't move!

hold on

1 (informal) to wait same meaning hang on:
Hold on, I'm coming.

2 to keep holding something tightly:
The child held on to her mother's hand.

hold somebody or something up

1 to make somebody or something late:
The plane was held up for 40 minutes.

2 to try to steal from a place, using a gun:
Two men held up a bank in Bristol today.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

hold

I. hold1 S1 W1 /həʊld $ hoʊld/ BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle held /held/)
[Word Family: noun: ↑hold, ↑holder, ↑holding; verb: ↑hold]
[Language: Old English; Origin: healdan]
1. IN YOUR HAND/ARMS
a) [transitive] to have something in your hand, hands, or arms:
Could you hold my bag for me?
hold something in your hand/arms
He was holding a knife in one hand.
I held the baby in my arms.
hold hands (=hold each other’s hands)
They sat holding hands under a tree.
hold somebody close/tightly (=with your arms around someone)
Max held her close and wiped away her tears.
b) [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move your hand or something in your hand in a particular direction
hold something out/up etc
He held out his hand to help her to her feet.
Hold the picture up so we can see it.
2. EVENT [transitive] to have a meeting, party, election etc in a particular place or at a particular time:
This year’s conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel.
A thanksgiving ceremony was held to mark the occasion.
The funeral was held on a grey day in November.
In April, the President held talks with Chinese leaders.
3. KEEP SOMETHING IN POSITION [transitive] to make something stay in a particular position
hold something open/up etc
We used rolled-up newspapers to hold the windows open.
Remember to hold your head up and keep your back straight.
hold something in place/position
A couple of screws should hold it in place.
Lift your head off the floor and hold this position for five seconds.
4. JOB/TITLE [transitive]
a) to have a particular job or position, especially an important one:
Do you really think he’s capable of holding such a responsible position?
hold the post/position/office etc (of something)
She was the first woman to hold the office of Australian state premier.
The governor had held the post since 1989.
Whoever is elected will hold office (=have an important political position) for four years.
b) to have a particular title or record, because you have won a competition, are the best at something etc:
The programme still holds the record for the longest running TV series.
The last Briton to hold the title was Bert Nicholson.
5. KEEP/STORE [transitive] to keep something to be used when it is needed:
Further copies of the book are held in the library.
Weapons were held at various sites.
6. KEEP SOMETHING AVAILABLE FOR SOMEBODY [transitive] to agree not to give something such as a ticket, a place at a restaurant, a job etc to anyone except a particular person:
We can hold the reservation for you until next Friday.
hold something open
You can’t expect them to hold the job open for much longer – you’ll have to decide whether you want it or not.
7. KEEP SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE [transitive] to keep someone somewhere, and not allow them to leave:
Police are holding two men in connection with the robbery.
hold somebody prisoner/hostage/captive
A senior army officer was held hostage for four months.
hold somebody incommunicado (=keep someone somewhere and not allow them to communicate with anyone)
8. OPINION [transitive not in progressive] to have a particular opinion or belief:
Experts hold varying opinions as to the causes of the disease.
be widely/generally/commonly held (=be the opinion of a lot of people)
This view is not widely held.
be held to be something
She was held to be one of the most talented actors of her time.
hold that
The judge held that the child’s interests in this case must come first.
9. hold somebody responsible/accountable/liable (for something) to say or decide that someone should accept the responsibility for something bad that happens:
If anything happens to her, I’ll hold you personally responsible.
He may have had a terrible childhood, but he should still be held accountable for his own actions.
10. OWN SOMETHING [transitive] to officially own or possess money, a document, a company etc:
He holds shares in ICI.
Do you hold a valid passport?
a privately held company
11. CONTAIN A PARTICULAR AMOUNT [transitive not in progressive] to have the space to contain a particular amount of something:
The movie theater holds 500 people.
The tank should hold enough to last us a few days.
12. SUPPORT [intransitive and transitive] to be strong enough to support the weight of something or someone:
Careful! I’m not sure that branch will hold you.
The bridge didn’t look as though it would hold.
13. STAY AT SAME LEVEL [intransitive and transitive] to stay at a particular amount, level, or rate, or to make something do this:
The bank is holding interest rates at 4%.
Since then, the pound has held steady against the dollar.
hold sb’s interest/attention (=make someone stay interested)
Colourful pictures help hold the students’ interest.
14. NOT CHANGE [intransitive] to continue to be true, good, available etc:
What I said yesterday holds.
Does your invitation still hold?
hold true/good
Twenty years on, his advice still holds good.
weather/luck holds (out) (=continues to be good)
If our luck holds, we could reach the final.
15. STOP/DELAY [transitive] spoken used in particular phrases to tell someone to wait or not to do something:
I’ll have a tuna fish sandwich please – and hold the mayo (=do not give me any).
hold it!
Hold it! We’re not quite ready.
hold your horses! (=used to tell someone to do something more slowly or carefully)
16. hold your head up (also hold your head high) to behave as if you are proud of yourself or respect yourself:
They may have lost the game, but I still think they’ve earned the right to hold their heads high today.
17. hold your breath
a) to deliberately not breathe out for a short time:
Hold your breath and count to ten.
b) to not breathe out and try not to make a sound because you do not want to be noticed:
Julie shrank back against the wall and held her breath.
c) not hold your breath spoken used to say that you do not expect something to happen, even though someone has said it will:
He promised he’d phone, but I’m not holding my breath.
18. hold (your) fire
a) to not shoot at someone when you were going to
b) to not criticize, attack, or oppose someone when you were going to:
The President urged his party to hold fire on the issue a few days longer.
19. TELEPHONE [intransitive] (also hold the line) spoken to wait until the person you have telephoned is ready to answer:
Mr Stevens is busy at the moment – would you like to hold?
Please hold the line while I transfer you.
20. ARMY [transitive] if an army holds a place, it controls it or defends it from attack:
The French army held the town for three days.
21. MUSICAL NOTE [transitive] to make a musical note continue for a particular length of time
22. FUTURE [transitive] formal if the future holds something, that is what may happen:
Thousands of workers are waiting to see what the future holds.
23. HAVE A QUALITY [transitive] formal to have a particular quality
hold (little) interest/appeal/promise etc
Many church services hold little appeal for modern tastes.
24. hold your own (against somebody) to successfully defend yourself or succeed in a difficult situation, competition etc:
He was a good enough player to hold his own against the Americans.
25. not hold a candle to somebody/something to be much worse than someone or something else
26. be left holding the baby British English, be left holding the bag American English to be left as the only person responsible for dealing with a difficult situation, especially something someone else started:
He was left holding the financial baby when his musical partner joined another band.
27. hold sway to have a lot of influence or power:
Among people here, traditional values still hold sway.
28. hold court to get the attention of everyone while you are talking, especially when you are trying to entertain people:
Joey would walk into the bar and hold court all night.
29. hold your tongue spoken used to tell someone to stop talking or to not tell someone about something:
I reckon you’ve just got to learn to hold your tongue.
30. hold all the cards to have all the advantages in a situation in which people are competing or arguing:
‘There’s not much we can do. They seem to hold all the cards,’ said Dan gloomily.
31. hold fast (to something) to keep believing strongly in something
32. hold a conversation to have a conversation
33. hold the fort to be responsible for something while the person usually responsible for it is not there:
She’s holding the fort while the manager’s on holiday.
34. hold the lead/advantage to be winning in a competition, game etc:
Celtic held the lead in the first half.
35. there’s no holding somebody (back) spoken used to say that someone is so determined to do something that you cannot prevent them from doing it
36. can hold your drink/liquor/alcohol etc to be able to drink a lot of alcohol without getting drunk or ill
37. not hold water if an excuse, a statement etc does not hold water, it does not seem to be true or reasonable
38. hold something/somebody dear formal to care about something or someone a lot:
We were facing the loss of everything we held dear.
39. hold the road if a car holds the road well, you can drive it quickly around bends without losing control
hold a course at ↑course1(8)
• • •
THESAURUS
hold to have something in your hand, hands, or arms: Maria came in holding a letter. | Can I hold the baby?
grip to hold something very tightly and not let it go: He gripped her arm so she couldn’t walk away. | Jenny gripped the side of the boat to steady herself.
clutch to hold something tightly, especially because you do not want to drop or lose it: A businessman hurried past, clutching his briefcase. | The little girl clutched onto his hand.
clasp written to hold someone or something tightly, closing your fingers or arms around them: She was clasping a bunch of small summer flowers. | He clasped her in his arms and kissed her.
get/take hold of something to take something in your hand or hands and hold it: I took hold of the handle and pulled as hard as I could. | Quickly – try and get hold of that frog!
grasp written to take hold of something firmly, especially in a determined way: She grasped the lowest branch and pulled herself up into the tree.
grab to take hold of something suddenly and often violently: He grabbed my bag and ran off with it. | The other man grabbed hold of (=suddenly took hold of ) my arms and threatened me with a knife.
seize /siːz/ written to take hold of something suddenly and often violently: A police officer ran after him and seized the gun.
hang on (to something) to hold on to something or someone tightly to support yourself: He hung on to the rail at the back of the motorbike. | Hang on tight!
keep hold of something to continue to hold something: Greg was struggling to keep hold of the dog. | She tried to take her hand away but he kept hold of it.
hold something against somebody phrasal verb
to continue to dislike someone or not forgive them because of something bad they have done in the past:
You can’t still hold that against him, surely?
hold back phrasal verb
1. hold somebody/something ↔ back to make someone or something stop moving forward:
Police in riot gear held back the demonstrators.
2. hold something ↔ back to stop yourself from feeling or showing a particular emotion:
She struggled to hold back her tears.
Anger flooded through her. She couldn’t hold it back.
3. hold somebody/something ↔ back to prevent someone or something from making progress:
They felt the British economy was being held back by excessive government controls.
4. hold (somebody) back to be unwilling to do something, especially because you are being careful, or to make someone unwilling to do something:
In the current situation many investors are holding back.
She wanted to tell him but pride held her back.
5. hold something ↔ back to keep something secret:
Tell me all about it – don’t hold anything back!
hold somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb
1. to make someone or something stay on something, and stop them from moving away or escaping:
We had to hold the tent down with rocks to stop it blowing away.
It took three strong men to hold him down.
2. to prevent the level of something such as prices from rising:
We will aim to hold down prices.
3. hold down a job to succeed in keeping a job for a period of time:
He’s never held down a job for longer than a few weeks.
4. to keep people under control or limit their freedom:
The people were held down for centuries by their conquerors.
hold forth phrasal verb
to give your opinion on a subject, especially for a long time
hold forth on
The speaker was holding forth on the collapse of modern society.
hold off phrasal verb
1. to delay doing something:
Buyers have been holding off until the price falls.
hold off (on) doing something
Hold off making your decision until Monday.
2. hold somebody ↔ off
a) to prevent someone who is trying to attack or defeat you from succeeding:
Not even a gun could hold him off forever.
b) to prevent someone from coming towards you or succeeding in speaking to you:
There’s already a crowd of reporters outside – I’ll try to hold them off for a while.
3. if rain or bad weather holds off, it does not start, although it looked as if it would:
The rain held off until after the game.
hold on phrasal verb
1. spoken
a) to wait for a short time:
Hold on, I’ll just get my coat.
b) used when you have just noticed, heard, or remembered something interesting or wrong:
Hold on a minute! Isn’t that your brother’s car over there?
c) used to ask someone on the telephone to wait until the person they want to talk to is available:
Can you hold on? I’ll try to find her.
2. to have your hands or arms tightly around something:
Hold on tight!
hold on to
Hold on to my arm.
3. to continue doing something that is very difficult to do:
San Francisco held on to win 4–2.
hold on to somebody/something phrasal verb
to keep something rather than losing it, selling it, or giving it to someone else:
The soldiers held on to the bridge for three more days.
I think I’ll hold on to these old records for now.
hold out phrasal verb
1. hold out something to think or say that something is possible or likely to happen, especially something good
not hold out much hope/hold out little hope
Negotiators aren’t holding out much hope of a peaceful settlement.
hold out the prospect/promise of something
alternative methods which hold out the promise of improved health
2. if a supply of something holds out, there is still some left:
Water supplies won’t hold out much longer.
3. to continue to successfully defend a place that is being attacked:
The rebels held out for another night but then fresh forces arrived.
4. to try to prevent yourself from doing something that someone is trying to force you to do
hold out against
I didn’t know how much longer I could hold out against their relentless questioning.
hold out for something phrasal verb
to not accept anything less than you have asked for:
Transport workers are holding out for a 20% pay rise.
hold out on somebody phrasal verb informal
to not tell someone about something important:
She must have been holding out on him all these years.
hold something over phrasal verb
1. [usually passive] formal to do or deal with something at a later time:
The matter was held over for further review. ⇨ ↑holdover
2. hold something over somebody to use something bad that you know about someone to make them do what you want:
He knows I’ve been in prison and is holding it over me.
3. be held over especially American English if a play, film, concert etc is held over, it is shown for longer than planned because it is very popular
hold to something phrasal verb
1. if you hold to a belief, principle, promise etc, you believe it or behave according to it:
He admitted he did not hold to the traditional view of God.
2. hold somebody to something to make someone do what they have promised:
‘I’ll ask him tomorrow.’ ‘OK, but I’m going to hold you to that.’
3. hold somebody to something British English to prevent your opponent in a sports game from getting more than a particular number of points:
Norway held Holland to a 2–2 draw.
hold together phrasal verb
1. if a group or an organization holds together, or if something holds it together, it stays strong and does not separate into different parts or groups:
Against all expectations, the coalition held together well.
hold something ↔ together
In those days the Church held the community together.
2. to remain whole and good enough to use, or to make something do this:
Incredibly, the raft held together till we reached the opposite shore.
hold something ↔ together
I wondered how the structure was held together.
hold up phrasal verb
1. hold something ↔ up to support something and prevent it from falling down:
The roof is held up by massive stone pillars.
2. hold somebody/something ↔ up [usually passive] to delay someone or something:
Sorry I’m late – I was held up at work.
3. hold up something to rob or try to rob a place or person by using violence:
Two armed men held up a downtown liquor store last night. ⇨ ↑hold-up
4. to not become weaker:
His physical condition has held up well.
hold somebody/something up as something phrasal verb
to use someone or something as a good example or as proof of something:
The school is held up as a model for others.
This incident will be held up as proof that tougher controls are needed.
hold with something phrasal verb
not hold with something British English used to say that someone does not approve of something:
He says he doesn’t hold with all this politically correct stuff.
not hold with doing something
I don’t hold with hitting children in any circumstances.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

hold

 

hold [hold holds held holding] verb, noun   [həʊld]    [hoʊld]

verb (held, held   [held]  ;   [held]  

IN HAND/ARMS
1. transitive ~ sb/sth (+ adv./prep.) to carry sth; to have sb/sth in your hand, arms, etc
She was holding a large box.
I held the mouse by its tail.
The girl held her father's hand tightly.
He was holding the baby in his arms.
The winning captain held the trophy in the air.
We were holding hands (= holding each other's hands).

• The lovers held each other close.

2. transitive ~ sth to put your hand on part of your body, usually because it hurts

• She groaned and held her head.  

IN POSITION

3. transitive to keep sb/sth in a particular position
~ sth (+ adv./prep.) Hold your head up.
Hold this position for a count of 10.
The wood is held in position by a clamp.
I had to hold my stomach in (= pull the muscles flat) to zip up my jeans.

~ sth + adj. I'll hold the door open for you.  

SUPPORT

4. transitive ~ sb/sth to support the weight of sb/sth

• I don't think that branch will hold your weight.  

CONTAIN

5. transitive ~ sb/sth to have enough space for sth/sb; to contain sth/sb
• This barrel holds 25 litres.

• The plane holds about 300 passengers.  

SB PRISONER

6. transitive to keep sb and not allow them to leave
~ sb Police are holding two men in connection with last Thursday's bank raid.

~ sb + noun He was held prisoner for two years.  

CONTROL

7. transitive ~ sth to defend sth against attack; to have control of sth

• The rebels held the radio station.  

REMAIN

8. intransitive to remain strong and safe or in position

• They were afraid the dam wouldn't hold.

9. intransitive to remain the same
• How long will the fine weather hold?

• If their luck holds, they could still win the championship.  

KEEP

10. transitive ~ sth to keep sb's attention or interest

• There wasn't much in the museum to hold my attention.

11. transitive ~ sth (at sth) to keep sth at the same level, rate, speed, etc
• Hold your speed at 70.

• Interest rates have been held at 8% for a year now.

12. transitive ~ sth to keep sth so that it can be used later
records held on computer
• Our solicitor holds our wills.

• We can hold your reservation for three days.  

OWN

13. transitive ~ sth (rather formal) to own or have sth

• Employees hold 30% of the shares.  

JOB

14. transitive ~ sth to have a particular job or position
• How long has he held office?

• Mrs Thatcher held the post of Prime Minister longer than anyone else last century.  

RECORD/TITLE

15. transitive ~ sth to have sth you have gained or achieved
• Who holds the world record for the long jump?

• She held the title of world champion for three years.  

OPINION

16. transitive to have a belief or an opinion about sb/sth
~ sth He holds strange views on education.
~ sb/sth + adv./prep./adj. She is held in high regard by her students (= they have a high opinion of her).

• firmly-held beliefs

17. transitive (formal) to consider that sth is true
~ that… I still hold that the government's economic policies are mistaken.
~ sb/sth + adj. Parents will be held responsible for their children's behaviour.

be held to be sth These vases are held to be the finest examples of Greek art.  

MEETING

18. transitive, usually passive ~ sth to have a meeting, competition, conversation, etc
The meeting will be held in the community centre.
• It's impossible to hold a conversation with all this noise.

• The country is holding its first free elections for 20 years.  

ROAD/COURSE

 

19. transitive ~ the road (of a vehicle) to be in close contact with the road and easy to control, especially when driven fast

20. transitive ~ a course (of a ship or an aircraft) to continue to move in a particular direction  

IN MUSIC

21. transitive ~ sth to make a note continue for a particular time  

ON TELEPHONE
22. intransitive, transitive to wait until you can speak to the person you have telephoned
• That extension is busy right now. Can you hold?

~ the line She asked me to hold the line.  

STOP

23. transitive ~ sth used to tell sb to stop doing sth or not to do sth
Hold your fire! (= don't shoot)
Hold the front page! (= don't print it until a particular piece of news is available)

(NAmE, informal) Give me a hot dog, but hold the (= don't give me any) mustard.

Rem: Most idioms containing hold are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example hold the fort is at fort.
 
Word Origin:
v. and n. senses 1 to 4 Old English haldan healdan Germanic Dutch houden German halten Old Norse hald ‘hold, support, custody’
n. sense 5 late 16th cent. holl Old English hol holian Germanic Dutch hol ‘cave’ ‘hollow’ German hohl ‘hollow’ Indo-European ‘cover, conceal’ -d hold
 
Thesaurus:
hold verb
1. T
He held the baby gently in his arms.
clutchgriphold on/hold onto sb/sthgraspclinghang onhandle|written clasp
Opp: drop, Opp: release, Opp: let go of sth
hold/clutch/grip/clasp sth in your hand/hands/arms
hold/clutch/grip/hold on to/grasp/cling/hang on to/clasp sb/sth by/with sth
hold/clutch/grip/grasp/hang/clasp on to sth
hold/clutch/grip/hold onto/grasp/cling on to/clasp sb's hand
2. T
Careful, that branch won't hold your weight!
supporthold sb/sth upbearcarryprop sth up
hold/support/bear/carry the weight of sb/sth
Hold or bear? Bear is more formal and can also be used figuratively:
(figurative) He seemed unable to bear the weight of his responsibility.
 ¤ He seemed unable to hold the weight of his responsibility.
3. T
He was held prisoner for two years.
send sb to prisoninterndetainimprison|informal lock sb up/away|formal incarcerate|especially journalism jail
Opp: release
hold/send to prison/intern/lock up/detain/imprison/jail sb for sth
hold/lock up/detain/imprison/incarcerate sb in sth
hold/detain/imprison/jail sb without trial/charge
4. T
Your personal records are held on computer.
keepstore|formal retain
hold/keep/store/retain information/data
hold/keep a record/records
still/no longer hold/keep/store/retain sth
5. T, often passive
The conference was held in Oregon.
havehostgivecall|informal throw|formal convene
hold/have/host/give/call/convene a conference
hold/have/call/convene a meeting
hold/have/host/give/throw a party
hold/have a conversation/debate/discussion  
Synonyms:
hold
hold on cling clutch grip grasp clasp hang on
These words all mean to have sb/sth in your hands or arms.
holdto have sb/sth in your hand or arms: She was holding a large box. I held the baby gently in my arms.
hold on (to sb/sth)to continue to hold sb/sth; to put your hand on sb/sth and not take your hand away: Hold on and don't let go until I say so.
clingto hold on to sb/sth tightly, especially with your whole body: Survivors clung to pieces of floating debris.
clutchto hold sb/sth tightly, especially in your hand; to take hold of sth suddenly: She stood there, the flowers still clutched in her hand. He felt himself slipping and clutched at a branch.
gripto hold on to sth very tightly with your hand: Grip the rope as tightly as you can.
graspto take hold of sth firmly: He grasped my hand and shook it warmly.
The object of grasp is often sb's hand or wrist.
clasp(formal) to hold sb/sth tightly in your hand or in your arms: They clasped hands (= held each other's hands) . She clasped the children in her arms.
The object of clasp is often your hands, sb else's hand or another person.
hang on (to sth)to hold on to sth very tightly, especially in order to support yourself or stop yourself from falling: Hang on tight. We're off!
to hold/clutch/grip/clasp sth in your hand/hands
to hold/catch/clasp sb/sth in your arms
to hold/clutch/grip/grasp/clasp/hang on to sth
to hold/cling/hang on
to hold/clutch/clasp sb/sth to you
to hold/hold on to/cling to/clutch/grip/grasp/clasp/hang on to sb/sth tightly
to hold/hold on to/cling to/clutch/grip/grasp/clasp sb/sth firmly
to hold/hold on to/clutch/grip/clasp/hang on to sb/sth tight  
Example Bank:
This view is not widely held.
deeply held religious beliefs
privately held views
Applicants must hold a full driving licence.
Eight people were held hostage for four months.
Employees do not have access to personal records held on computer.
He has very firmly-held religious beliefs.
He held her by the shoulders.
He was born in South Africa but he holds a British passport.
I don't think that branch will hold your weight.
I held the baby gently in my arms.
I still hold that the government's economic policies are mistaken.
It's impossible to hold a conversation with all this noise.
Parents will be held responsible for their children's behaviour.
Police are holding two men in connection with last Thursday's bank raid.
She is held in high regard by her students.
She was held captive in a castle.
The captain held the trophy in the air.
The company has held the advertising contract since 2005.
The girl held her father's hand tightly.
The next conference will be held in Ohio.
They walked along the street, holding hands.
Idioms: catch/get/grab/take hold of somebody  get hold of somebody  get hold of something  hold good  hold it  no holds barred  on hold  take hold  there is no holding somebody

Derived: hold back  hold forth  hold off  hold on  hold on to somebody  hold on to something  hold onto something  hold out  hold out for something  hold out on somebody  hold out something  hold somebody back  hold somebody down  hold somebody off  hold somebody to something  hold somebody up  hold something against somebody  hold something back  hold something down  hold something in  hold something on  hold something out  hold something over  hold something over somebody  hold something together  hold together  hold up  hold up something  hold with something 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

hold / həʊld /   / hoʊld / verb ( held , held ) (SUPPORT)

hold hands

A2 [ T ] to take and keep something in your hand or arms:

Can you hold the bag while I open the door?

He was holding a gun.

The little girl held her mother's hand .

He held her in his arms.

[ + obj + adj ] Could you hold the door open , please?

Rosie held out an apple for the horse.

All those who agree please hold up their hand (= raise their arm) .

[ T ] to support something:

Will the rope be strong enough to hold my weight?

Each wheel is held on with four bolts.

The parts are held together with glue.

hold your nose to press your nose tightly between thumb and finger in order to close it:

I have to hold my nose when I jump into water.

hold hands A2 When two people hold hands, one person holds the other person's hand in their hand, especially to show that they love each other:

They walked along holding hands.

→  See also hand in hand
 

hold / həʊld /   / hoʊld / verb ( held , held ) (CONTAIN)

B1 [ T not continuous ] to contain or be able to contain something:

This jug holds exactly one pint.

One bag won't hold all of the shopping - we'd better take two.

Computers can hold huge amounts of information.

[ T not continuous ] to have or contain something that a person will experience:

Who can tell what the future holds?

She's very religious, so death holds no fear for her.
 

hold / həʊld /   / hoʊld / verb [ T ] ( held , held ) (CONTROL)

C1 to have something, especially a position or money, or to control something:

He currently holds the position of technical manager.

The bank holds large reserves of gold.

Despite incurring heavy losses, the rebels now hold the town and the surrounding hills.
 

hold / həʊld /   / hoʊld / verb [ T ] ( held , held ) (IN A COMPETITION)

B2 to have a particular position in a competition:

She holds the world record .

They held the lead until the 89th minute.
 

hold / həʊld /   / hoʊld / verb ( held , held ) (KEEP)

C1 [ T ] to keep something, especially when it might have been lost:

I asked the shop to hold the dress for me until this afternoon.

You have to be a fairly good speaker to hold an audience's attention/interest .

B2 [ T ] to keep someone in a place so that they cannot leave:

The police are holding several people in custody (= at the police station) for questioning.

[ + obj + noun ] The terrorists held him hostage for 18 months.

I was held prisoner in a tiny attic room.
 

hold / həʊld /   / hoʊld / verb [ T ] ( held , held ) (MAKE HAPPEN)

B1 to have something such as a meeting or an election:

Could we hold a meeting to discuss this tomorrow afternoon?

The election will be held on 8 August .

I find it's almost impossible to hold a sensible conversation with her.
 

hold / həʊld /   / hoʊld / verb [ I or T ] ( held , held ) (CONTINUE)

to cause to stay or continue in the same way as before:

Let's hope our good luck holds.

I hope the repair holds until we get the car to a garage.

The old adage that 'money talks' still holds true (= is still true) .

The government is committed to holding exports at their present level.

The ship/aircraft held its course.
 

hold / həʊld /   / hoʊld / verb [ T not continuous ] ( held , held ) (BELIEVE)

to believe an idea or opinion:

[ + to infinitive ] Small amounts of alcohol are held to be good for the heart.

You sold it to me, so if it breaks I'll hold you responsible (= make you take responsibility) .
 

hold / həʊld /   / hoʊld / verb [ I or T ] ( held , held ) (DELAY)

to wait, or to stop something temporarily:

They've decided to hold all future deliveries until the invoice has been paid.

How long can you hold your breath (= stop breathing) ?

Will you hold my calls for the next half hour please?

She's on the phone at the moment - will you hold (the line) (= wait on the phone until she can speak to you) ?
 

hold / həʊld /   / hoʊld / verb [ T ] ( held , held ) US (NOT INCLUDE)

If you ask someone to hold something, you do not want them to include it:

I'd like a ham sandwich on rye, hold the lettuce.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

hold
I. PHYSICALLY TOUCHING, SUPPORTING, OR CONTAINING

/hoʊld/

(holds, holding, held)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
When you hold something, you carry or support it, using your hands or your arms.
Hold the knife at an angle...
He held the pistol in his right hand...
VERB: V n prep/adv, V n

Hold is also a noun.
He released his hold on the camera.
N-COUNT: usu sing
2.
Hold is used in expressions such as grab hold of, catch hold of, and get hold of, to indicate that you close your hand tightly around something, for example to stop something moving or falling.
I was woken up by someone grabbing hold of my sleeping bag...
A doctor and a nurse caught hold of his arms...
N-UNCOUNT: N of n
3.
When you hold someone, you put your arms round them, usually because you want to show them how much you like them or because you want to comfort them.
If only he would hold her close to him.
VERB: V n adv, also V n
4.
If you hold someone in a particular position, you use force to keep them in that position and stop them from moving.
He then held the man in an armlock until police arrived...
I’d got two nurses holding me down.
VERB: V n prep, V n with adv, also V n
5.
A hold is a particular way of keeping someone in a position using your own hands, arms, or legs.
...use of an unauthorized hold on a handcuffed suspect.
N-COUNT
6.
When you hold a part of your body, you put your hand on or against it, often because it hurts.
Soon she was crying bitterly about the pain and was holding her throat.
VERB: V n
7.
When you hold a part of your body in a particular position, you put it into that position and keep it there.
Hold your hands in front of your face...
He walked at a rapid pace with his back straight and his head held erect.
VERB: V n prep/adv, V-ed, also V n adj
8.
If one thing holds another in a particular position, it keeps it in that position.
...the wooden wedge which held the heavy door open...
They used steel pins to hold everything in place.
VERB: V n with adv, V n prep
9.
If one thing is used to hold another, it is used to store it.
Two knife racks hold her favourite knives.
= store
VERB: V n
10.
In a ship or aeroplane, a hold is a place where cargo or luggage is stored.
A fire had been reported in the cargo hold.
N-COUNT: oft n N
11.
If a place holds something, it keeps it available for reference or for future use.
The Small Firms Service holds an enormous amount of information on any business problem...
VERB: V n
12.
If something holds a particular amount of something, it can contain that amount.
One CD-ROM disk can hold over 100,000 pages of text.
VERB: no cont, V n
13.
If a vehicle holds the road well, it remains in close contact with the road and can be controlled safely and easily.
I thought the car held the road really well.
VERB: V n adv, also V n
14.
see also holding

II. HAVING OR DOING

/hoʊld/

(holds, holding, held)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
Note: 'Hold' is often used to indicate that someone or something has the particular thing, characteristic, or attitude that is mentioned. Therefore it takes most of its meaning from the word that follows it.
1.
Hold is used with words and expressions indicating an opinion or belief, to show that someone has a particular opinion or believes that something is true.
He holds certain expectations about the teacher’s role...
Current thinking holds that obesity is more a medical than a psychological problem...
The public, meanwhile, hold architects in low esteem.
...a widely held opinion.
VERB: no cont, V n, V that, V n in n, V-ed
2.
Hold is used with words such as ‘fear’ or ‘mystery’ to indicate someone’s feelings towards something, as if those feelings were a characteristic of the thing itself.
Death doesn’t hold any fear for me...
It held more mystery than even the darkest jungle...
VERB: no passive, V n for n, V n
3.
Hold is used with nouns such as ‘office’, ‘power’, and ‘responsibility’ to indicate that someone has a particular position of power or authority.
She has never held ministerial office...
VERB: V n
4.
Hold is used with nouns such as ‘permit’, ‘degree’, or ‘ticket’ to indicate that someone has a particular document that allows them to do something.
He did not hold a firearm certificate...
Passengers holding tickets will receive refunds.
VERB: V n, V n
5.
Hold is used with nouns such as ‘party’, ‘meeting’, ‘talks’, ‘election’, and ‘trial’ to indicate that people are organizing a particular activity.
The German sports federation said it would hold an investigation.
VERB: V n
hold‧ing
They also called for the holding of multi-party general elections.
N-UNCOUNT: N of n
6.
Hold is used with nouns such as ‘conversation’, ‘interview’, and ‘talks’ to indicate that two or more people meet and discuss something.
The Prime Minister, is holding consultations with his colleagues to finalise the deal...
The engineer and his son held frequent consultations concerning technical problems...
They can’t believe you can even hold a conversation.
V-RECIP: V n with n, pl-n V, V n (non-recip)
7.
Hold is used with nouns such as ‘shares’ and ‘stock’ to indicate that someone owns a particular proportion of a business.
The group said it continues to hold 1,774,687 Vons shares...
VERB: V n
see also holding
8.
Hold is used with words such as ‘lead’ or ‘advantage’ to indicate that someone is winning or doing well in a contest.
He continued to hold a lead in Angola’s presidential race...
VERB: V n
9.
Hold is used with nouns such as ‘attention’ or ‘interest’ to indicate that what you do or say keeps someone interested or listening to you.
If you want to hold someone’s attention, look them directly in the eye but don’t stare...
= keep
VERB: V n
10.
If you hold someone responsible, liable, or accountable for something, you will blame them if anything goes wrong.
It’s impossible to hold any individual responsible.
VERB: V n adj

III. CONTROLLING OR REMAINING

/hoʊld/

(holds, holding, held)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If someone holds you in a place, they keep you there as a prisoner and do not allow you to leave.
The inside of a van was as good a place as any to hold a kidnap victim...
Somebody is holding your wife hostage...
Japan had originally demanded the return of two seamen held on spying charges.
VERB: V n, V n n, V-ed
2.
If people such as an army or a violent crowd hold a place, they control it by using force.
Demonstrators have been holding the square since Sunday.
VERB: V n
3.
If you have a hold over someone, you have power or control over them, for example because you know something about them you can use to threaten them or because you are in a position of authority.
He had ordered his officers to keep an exceptionally firm hold over their men...
N-SING: usu N over/on n
4.
If you ask someone to hold, or to hold the line, when you are answering a telephone call, you are asking them to wait for a short time, for example so that you can find the person they want to speak to.
Could you hold the line and I’ll just get my pen...
A telephone operator asked him to hold.
= hold on
VERB: no passive, V n, V
5.
If you hold telephone calls for someone, you do not allow people who phone to speak to that person, but take messages instead.
He tells his secretary to hold his calls.
VERB: V n
6.
If something holds at a particular value or level, or is held there, it is kept at that value or level.
OPEC production is holding at around 21.5 million barrels a day...
The Prime Minister yesterday ruled out Government action to hold down petrol prices...
The final dividend will be held at 20.7p, after an 8 per cent increase.
...provided the pound holds its value against the euro.
VERB: V prep/adv/adj, V n with adv, V n prep/adj, V n
7.
If you hold a sound or musical note, you continue making it.
...a voice which hit and held every note with perfect ease and clarity.
VERB: V n
8.
If you hold something such as a train, a lift, or an elevator, you delay it.
A London Underground spokesman defended the decision to hold the train until police arrived.
VERB: V n
9.
If an offer or invitation still holds, it is still available for you to accept.
Does your offer still hold?
VERB: V
10.
If a good situation holds, it continues and does not get worse or fail.
Our luck couldn’t hold for ever...
Would the weather hold?...
VERB: V, V
11.
If an argument or theory holds, it is true or valid, even after close examination.
Today, most people think that argument no longer holds...
VERB: V

Hold up means the same as hold.
Democrats say arguments against the bill won’t hold up.
PHRASAL VERB: V P
12.
If part of a structure holds, it does not fall or break although there is a lot of force or pressure on it.
How long would the roof hold?
VERB: V
13.
If laws or rules hold, they exist and remain in force.
These laws also hold for universities.
VERB: V
14.
If you hold to a promise or to high standards of behaviour, you keep that promise or continue to behave according to those standards. (FORMAL)
Will the President be able to hold to this commitment?...
= stick to
VERB: V to n
15.
If someone or something holds you to a promise or to high standards of behaviour, they make you keep that promise or those standards.
Don’t hold me to that...
VERB: V n to n

IV. PHRASES

/hoʊld/

(holds, holding, held)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
Please look at category 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1.
If you hold forth on a subject, you speak confidently and for a long time about it, especially to a group of people.
Barry was holding forth on politics.
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR on n
2.
If you get hold of an object or information, you obtain it, usually after some difficulty.
It is hard to get hold of guns in this country.
PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n
3.
If you get hold of a fact or a subject, you learn about it and understand it well. (BRIT INFORMAL)
He first had to get hold of some basic facts.
PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n
4.
If you get hold of someone, you manage to contact them.
The only electrician we could get hold of was miles away.
PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n
5.
If you say ‘Hold it’, you are telling someone to stop what they are doing and to wait.
Hold it! Don’t move!
= stop
CONVENTION
6.
If you put something on hold, you decide not to do it, deal with it, or change it now, but to leave it until later.
He put his retirement on hold until he had found a solution...
PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR
7.
If you hold your own, you are able to resist someone who is attacking or opposing you.
The Frenchman held his own against the challenger.
PHRASE: V inflects
8.
If you can do something well enough to hold your own, you do not appear foolish when you are compared with someone who is generally thought to be very good at it.
She can hold her own against almost any player.
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR against n
9.
If you hold still, you do not move.
Can’t you hold still for a second?
PHRASE: V inflects
10.
If something takes hold, it gains complete control or influence over a person or thing.
She felt a strange excitement taking hold of her...
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR of n
11.
If you hold tight, you put your hand round or against something in order to prevent yourself from falling over. A bus driver might say ‘Hold tight!’ to you if you are standing on a bus when it is about to move.
He held tight to the rope...
= hang on
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR prep
12.
If you hold tight, you do not immediately start a course of action that you have been planning or thinking about.
The unions have circulated their branches, urging members to hold tight until a national deal is struck.
PHRASE: V inflects

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1hold /ˈhoʊld/ verb holds; held /ˈhɛld/; hold·ing
1 [+ obj]
a : to have or keep (something) in your hand, arms, etc.
Hold the rail so you won't fall.
• He was holding his hat (in his hand).
• He was holding a large package in his arms.
• Would you hold this for me?
• She showed him the correct way to hold the racket.
• She held his hand. = She held him by the hand.
b : to put your arms around (someone) : to embrace or hug (someone)
• Some people just don't like to be held.
• He held her close/tight and kissed her.
2 a [+ obj] : to put or keep (something or someone) in a specified place or position
• He held the pen in his mouth while he dialed the number.
Hold the pen upright when you write.
• She picked up the trophy and held it over her head.
• You have to hold the button down for several seconds.
• I held the door open for her.
Hold your arms at your sides.
b [+ obj] : to keep (something or someone) in the same place or position
• I need someone to hold this string while I finish tying the knot.
• She held the ladder steady while he climbed up it.
• It took six guards to hold him (down).
• The board was held in place/position by a couple of nails.
• The Federal Reserve has been holding interest rates down/up.
• The cover was held on by a piece of tape.
c [no obj] : to remain in the same place or position
• The anchor held.
• The line of soldiers held under constant attack.
• Please hold still for a moment.
• His weight has held steady for several months now.
3 [no obj] : to continue to be good
• We arrived late but our luck held and we were able to get tickets.
• We hope the weather holds through the weekend.
4 [+ obj]
a : to own or possess (something)
• The bank holds (the) title to the car.
• Do you hold any shares/stock in the company?
b : to have or keep (a job, a position, etc.)
• She has never before held public office.
• It's been a struggle for him to hold a job.
• In the last election the Democratic party managed to hold several seats but lost others.
• President Franklin Roosevelt held office for 12 years. = Franklin Roosevelt held the office of president for 12 years.
c : to succeed in keeping (something that is being attacked)
• The troops were able to hold the bridge.
• The line of soldiers held their position/ground and fought off the attack.
d : to have (something that you have achieved or earned)
• She holds a master's degree in chemistry.
• a swimmer who holds several world records
5 [+ obj] : to support the pressure or weight of (something or someone)
• The floor will hold 10 tons.
• I don't know if the roof can hold all that snow.
6 [+ obj]
a : to have or keep (a belief, a feeling, etc.) in your mind
• There's no need for him to hold [=bear] a grudge against me.
• I don't hold any resentment toward/against him.
• a belief held by many = a widely held belief
• I will always hold that memory in my heart.
b somewhat formal : to consider or judge (someone or something) in a specified way
• They hold me responsible.
- often + for
• He should be held accountable for his actions.
• The store can't be held liable for damage to your vehicle.
- often followed by to + verb
• The court held his actions to be grounds for a lawsuit. [=the court said/ruled that his actions were grounds for a lawsuit]
• His latest book is generally/widely held [=considered] to be the best one.
• “We hold these truths to be self-evident…” U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776) -
c not used in progressive tenses somewhat formal : to have or express (an opinion, belief, etc.) - + that
• I hold [=believe] that such problems should be dealt with at the federal level.
• The Supreme Court held [=ruled] that the trial court had acted properly.
- sometimes used figuratively
• Tradition holds that [=it is traditional that] the oldest member of the family be seated first.
7 [+ obj] : to cause (a meeting, class, sale, etc.) to take place
• A sale will be held next weekend.
• Free elections will be held next month.
• We will hold [=have] the meeting at 2 o'clock.
• The President has decided to hold [=give] a press conference.
• They're holding an art show at the gallery.
• The two sides will hold [=have] talks/discussions to resolve the dispute.
8 [+ obj]
a : to contain (something)
• The box holds his collection of old photographs.
b not used in progressive tenses : to have enough room for (an amount)
• The disk can hold 1.44 megabytes of data.
• How much water can that bucket hold?
• The bottle holds two liters.
• The dining room holds 500 people.
9 [+ obj] : to continue to have (someone's interest or attention)
• The speaker wasn't able to hold [=keep] our interest/attention for long.
10 [+ obj] : to have (a specified quality, feature, etc.)
• His eyes held [=had] a quizzical look.
• She has always held a special place in my heart. [=I have always had special feelings for her]
• This hotel has long held [=claimed] a place among the world's finest. [=has long been considered one of the world's finest]
- often + for
• Music holds great appeal for many people. [=music appeals greatly to many people]
• His job holds no surprises for him. [=nothing about his job surprises him]
• Her paintings hold a real fascination for me. [=her paintings fascinate me]
• No one can know what the future holds (for us). [=no one can know what will happen (to us) in the future]
• These experiments hold great promise for future cancer research.
11 [+ obj] : to stop doing (something) or wait to do (something)
• Tell the men to hold their fire [=not shoot] until I give the order.
Hold everything. [=wait; stop] We're not doing this right.
Hold it right there. [=stop right there] Where do you think you're going?
12 [+ obj]
a : to keep (something) available for later use
• A room at the hotel will be held for us for 24 hours.
• We will hold these flight reservations for you until tomorrow.
b : to delay the handling of (something, such as a telephone call) for a time
• Please hold all my calls while I'm in the meeting.
13 [+ obj] : to prevent (something, such as a vehicle) from leaving
• The train was held until the track was cleared.
• Would you hold the elevator for me?
Hold that taxi!
14 [+ obj] chiefly US : to not use or include (something) in preparing food
• I'd like a roast beef sandwich on rye, and hold the mustard please. [=do not put any mustard on the sandwich]
15 [+ obj] : to force (someone) to stay in a place (such as a prison)
• The police are holding him for questioning.
• Terrorists are holding the passengers hostage.
• They're being held hostage/captive/prisoner.
- sometimes used figuratively
• He was held captive by his own fears.
16 [+ obj] : to continue moving on (a course) without change
• The ship continued to hold its course.
17 [+ obj] of a vehicle : to stay on (a road) in a safe and secure way when being driven at high speeds
• The car holds the road well when turning quickly.
18 [no obj] : to be true : to remain valid
• Her advice still holds [=applies] today.
• The general rule holds in most cases.
- often used in the phrases hold true and (less commonly) hold good
• The general rule holds true in most cases.
• Their son needs support and understanding. The same holds true for all children.
• The advice she gave us 10 years ago still holds good today.
19 : to wait to speak to someone on the telephone

[no obj]

• All operators are currently busy. Please hold.

[+ obj]

• All operators are busy. Please hold the line for a minute.
hold a candle to
- see candle
hold against [phrasal verb] hold (something) against (someone) : to use (something) as a reason to have a bad opinion of (someone)
• He lied to her once, and she still holds it against him.
• Nobody is going to hold it against you if you don't come. [=no one is going to be angry or upset with you if you don't come]
hold a gun to someone's head
- see 1gun
hold all the aces
- see 1ace
hold (all/all of) the cards
- see 1card
hold back [phrasal verb]
1 a : to stop yourself from doing something
• She wanted to introduce herself to him but she held back out of shyness.
b : to make a less than complete effort
• She could have beaten him in the race, but she held back and let him win. [=she did not run as fast as she could have so that he would win]
c hold (someone) back : to stop (someone) from doing something
• Once he starts talking, there's no holding him back. [=it's very hard to get him to stop talking]
2 hold (something) back or hold back (something)
a : to not allow (something) to be seen or known by someone
• He was unable to hold back his tears. [=to keep from crying]
• The government held back [=withheld] some crucial information from the media.
• I know you're angry, so don't hold anything back (from me). [=tell me everything]
b : to keep (something)
• He held several thousand dollars back in case of an emergency.
c : to delay (something)
• The company held back the first shipment of the new product until it was completely ready.
3 hold (someone or something) back or hold back (someone or something) : to stop (someone or something) from moving forward : to stop (someone or something) from advancing to the next level, grade, or stage
• She might have been more successful, but bad health held her back.
• He was held back [=kept back] in first grade.
hold court
- see 1court
hold down [phrasal verb]
1 hold (something) down or hold down (something)
a : to stop (something) from being or becoming too high
• Could you please hold the noise down? I'm trying to read.
• The company is trying to hold down costs/expenses/prices.
b : to continue to have (a job)
• It's been a struggle for him to hold down [=keep] a job.
2 hold (someone) down or hold down (someone) : to stop (someone) from doing something or advancing to a higher level, position, etc.
• We need to free ourselves of the unfair restrictions that are holding us down.
hold firm : to refuse to change what you have been doing or believing
• They are holding firm on their refusal to proceed.
• Despite opposition, she has held firm to her decision.
hold forth [phrasal verb] formal : to speak about something for a long time
• He held forth about/on the need for reform in his country.
hold hands or hold someone's hand
- see 1hand
hold in [phrasal verb] hold (something) in or hold in (something) : to stop (an emotion) from being expressed
• Don't hold your feelings in. Let them out.
hold off [phrasal verb]
1 a : to wait to do something
• You need to decide now. You can't hold off any longer.
• He held off as long as he could.
- often + on
• She decided to hold off on her vacation for a while longer.
✦If you hold off doing something or hold off on doing something, you wait to do it at a later time.
• He held off on announcing his decision.
b : to not happen until later
• The rain held off until we got home. [=it didn't rain until we got home]
2 hold (someone) off or hold off (someone) : to stop (someone) from coming near someone or something
• Her bodyguard held off the crowd. [=kept the crowd away from her]
3 hold (something) off or hold off (something) : to defend against (something) successfully : withstand
• The soldiers held off the attack.
• Our team held off a late rally by the other team.
hold on [phrasal verb]
1 : to have or keep your hand, arms, etc., tightly around something
• He was holding on [=hanging on] for dear life.
Hold on (tight). It's going to get bumpy.
• The steps are slippery; you'd better hold on to the railing.
2 : to succeed in keeping a position, condition, etc.
• I hope we can hold on until help arrives.
• They were able to hold on for a 10–9 victory.
3 : to wait or stop briefly
• “Can we go now?” “Hold on, I'll be ready in just a minute.”
4 hold on to (something) : to keep possession of (something)
• She's trying very hard to hold on to her money.
• He has managed to hold on to his lead in the polls. : to not lose or give up (something)
• Despite all his troubles, he has somehow held on to his faith in himself.
hold out [phrasal verb]
1 a : to continue to exist or be available
• I don't know how much longer our supply of food will hold out. [=last]
• You should do it while your courage is still holding out.
• I'm going to keep writing as long as my money holds out.
b : to continue to work
• My old car is still holding out.
2 : to continue to oppose someone or defend against something : to refuse to surrender or give in
• The troops were able to hold out until help arrived.
• Many of the strikers are still holding out.
- see also holdout
3 hold out (something) or hold (something) out
a : to reach outward with (something, such as your hand)
• He held out [=extended] his hand in greeting.
• She held out the car keys and asked him to drive.
- sometimes used figuratively
• I held out the hand of friendship to my enemies. [=I offered friendship to my enemies]
b : to say that there is a good reason to have (something, such as hope)
• The doctor didn't hold out [=offer] much hope for her recovery. [=the doctor didn't say that there was much hope for her recovery]
c : to say that (a possibility) exists
• The mayor has held out the possibility that the library will be expanded in the future. [=has said that it is possible that the library will be expanded]
4 hold out for (something) : to refuse to accept or agree to something in order to get (something)
• The workers are holding out for higher pay.
• The wide receiver is holding out for a new contract.
5 hold out on (someone) informal : to keep something (such as information) from (someone)
• She didn't tell me she was rich; she's been holding out on me.
hold over [phrasal verb]
1 hold over (something) or hold (something) over
a : to cause (something) to happen later
• A vote on the proposal has been held over [=delayed, postponed] until tomorrow.
b US : to cause (something) to continue beyond a normal or planned time
• The movie is being held over for two more weeks. [=the movie will continue to be shown for two more weeks]
2 hold (something or someone) over or hold over (something or someone) : to keep (something or someone) from an earlier time
• He is the only player to have been held over from their previous team.
- see also holdover
3 hold (something) over (someone) : to use your knowledge of (something) to influence or control the behavior of (someone)
• She knows about his criminal past and has been holding it over him [=she has been threatening to tell other people about his criminal past] to force him to cooperate.
hold the bag US or Brit hold the baby informal : to be given all of the blame or responsibility that should be shared with others
• His friends ran away and he was stuck/left holding the bag.
hold the fort
- see fort
hold the line
- see 1line
hold to [phrasal verb]
1 a hold to (something) : to continue to have or follow (a plan, purpose, etc.)
• He has held to his plan of exercising regularly. : to not change (a decision, belief, etc.)
• Despite opposition, she has held to her decision.
b hold (someone) to (something) : to force (someone) to do what is required by (something, such as a promise)
• You made a promise and I'm going to hold you to it.
• He was held to an impossible standard. [=he was required to meet very high expectations]
2 hold (someone) to (something) : to prevent (an opponent) from having or getting more than (a specified number of scores or shots)
• Our team held the other team to just three runs.
• The defense held him to only one shot attempt in the first half.
hold together [phrasal verb]
1 : to stay joined together or in one piece
• The empire held together for many decades.
2 hold (something) together or hold together (something) : to cause (something) to stay joined together or in one piece
• The coach hopes to hold the team together for at least one more season.
• The box was held together by a strong glue.
hold up [phrasal verb]
1 : to continue in the same condition without failing or losing effectiveness or force
• The sales team was holding up well under the stress.
• The nurse came in to see how I was holding up.
• Their music still holds up 20 years later.
2 hold (something) up or hold up (something) : to raise (something)
• He held up his hand.
3 hold up (something or someone) or hold (something or someone) up
a : to delay, stop, or slow the movement, progress, or action of (something or someone) : delay
• Their decision was held up for months.
• A major accident held traffic up for hours.
• She was late for the meeting because she got held up in traffic.
- see also holdup
b : to use a gun to rob (a person, store, etc.)
• Someone held up the gas station.
• He was held up by a masked robber.
- see also holdup
c : to cause (someone or something) to be noticed for a particular reason
• His work has been held up to ridicule. [=his work has been ridiculed]
• Experts have been holding these programs up as examples of government waste.
hold water
- see 1water
hold with [phrasal verb] hold with (something) : to agree with or approve of (something) - usually used in negative statements
• I don't hold with all these newfangled notions!
hold your breath
- see breath
hold your ground
- see 1ground
hold your horses
- see 1horse
hold your liquor
- see liquor
hold your nose
- see 1nose
hold your own : to do well in a difficult situation
• It was a tough interview, but she managed to hold her own.
• She's been holding her own against cancer.
hold your tongue also hold your peace : to keep silent : to not say anything about something
• It was difficult, but he somehow managed to hold his tongue.

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