ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hold one's own

idiom
Meaning

To demonstrate oneself to be capable; to provide a respectable performance or worthy competition; to stick up for oneself.


Examples
SIMPLE

She can hold her own in any argument.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though he was the youngest player, he held his own against the older kids.

COMPLEX

Despite her inexperience in such high-stakes negotiations, she held her own, matching the seasoned executives point for point until they finally took her seriously.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026