# hold sway

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-sway
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- In this house, my cat holds sway over everyone.
- Traditional values still hold sway in many small towns, despite the rapid changes happening in the rest of the country.
- For decades, the old guard held sway over the institution, resisting any attempts at reform or modernization from the younger faculty members.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.