hold that thought
To pause in a conversation for an interruption.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Hold that thought while I answer the door.”
“I know you have a great idea, but please hold that thought until I finish explaining this part.”
“The professor asked the student to hold that thought, as he intended to address that specific point later in the lecture.”
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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.
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collect one's thoughts
To become mentally composed, especially after being distressed, surprised, or disoriented; to become calm or organized in one's emotional state or thinking, as in preparation for a conversation, speech, decision, etc.
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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.
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food for thought
Information or knowledge that is worthy of contemplation.
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have second thoughts
To change one's opinion, or be uneasy about a previous decision.
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hold a grudge
To stay angry (at someone or something).
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hold a light
Synonym of hold a candle.
Last updated August 10, 2026