hold tack
To last or hold out.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The old roof will hold tack through the winter.”
“We reinforced the fence posts so they would hold tack against the strong winds.”
“Despite the relentless pressure from his competitors, the veteran merchant managed to hold tack until the market finally stabilized.”
- 01
apron-string hold
An estate held by a man during his wife's life.
- 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.
- 03
change of tack
A reversal of an opinion.
- 04
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.
- 05
get down to brass tacks
To (start to) consider or deal with the most important details or facts about something.
- 06
hold a grudge
To stay angry (at someone or something).
- 07
hold a light
Synonym of hold a candle.
- 08
hold back
To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.
Last updated August 10, 2026