ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hold fast

idiom
Meaning

To stubbornly resist assault, pressure or opposition, either physically or mentally.


Origin

disputed origin

A verbal phrase composed of the words: hold ("grasp", "grip") and fast ("resolutely", "steadfastly").

Examples
SIMPLE

You must hold fast to your beliefs during this argument.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the intense pressure from the board of directors, the manager decided to hold fast to his original plan.

COMPLEX

Even as the storm battered the old lighthouse, the keeper chose to hold fast to his post, refusing to abandon his duty.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    apron-string hold

    An estate held by a man during his wife's life.

  2. 02

    buy and hold

    A passive investment strategy where an investor purchases an asset and retains it for many years, rather than trading it frequently.

  3. 03

    come thick and fast

    To arrive rapidly in large groups.

  4. 04

    don't hold your breath

    Don't wait. Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned is unlikely to happen soon or at all.

  5. 05

    fast and furious

    Rapid and energetic.

  6. 06

    fast asleep

    Sleeping, in a deep sleep.

  7. 07

    fast sheet

    A hotel or similar establishment catering to prostitutes.

  8. 08

    fast times

    A period of time characterized by quickly-paced activity, especially involving extravagant or risky conduct, sexual behavior, or other exciting events.

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