ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hold onto

idiom
Meaning

To manage to keep something.


Examples
SIMPLE

Please hold onto your ticket until the end of the show.

CONTEXTUAL

The company struggled, but the manager managed to hold onto his best employees during the crisis.

COMPLEX

Despite the relentless pressure from his competitors, he fought to hold onto his principles and refused to compromise his integrity.

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

    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.

  4. 04

    hold a grudge

    To stay angry (at someone or something).

  5. 05

    hold a light

    Synonym of hold a candle.

  6. 06

    hold back

    To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.

  7. 07

    hold by the button

    To detain in conversation to the point of weariness or tedium; to bore while tallking to

  8. 08

    hold cheap

    To have a low esteem for (someone or something); to hold in contempt; to look down upon.

Last updated April 17, 2026