ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hold sway

idiom
Meaning

To have the greatest influence (over someone or something); to be pre-eminent; to dominate.


Examples
SIMPLE

In this house, my cat holds sway over everyone.

CONTEXTUAL

Traditional values still hold sway in many small towns, despite the rapid changes happening in the rest of the country.

COMPLEX

For decades, the old guard held sway over the institution, resisting any attempts at reform or modernization from the younger faculty members.

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.

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