# hold court

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-court
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To serve as the principal discussant or center of attention in an informal gathering of friends, associates, etc.

## Examples

- He likes to hold court at the local cafe every morning.
- During the office party, the manager held court near the snacks, telling stories to a large group of employees.
- The retired professor sat in his favorite armchair and held court, captivating his former students with tales of his long academic career.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.