hold hard

apron-string hold

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

bone hard

As hard as a bone, rock hard.

buy and hold

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

cold hard cash

Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.

die hard

Of a living being, to die only after a desperate struggle for life.

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.

drive a hard bargain

To negotiate forcefully.

give someone a hard time

To cause difficulty or make trouble for someone.