hold the line
To firmly maintain one's viewpoint, principles, or situation; to refuse to change one's practices or plans.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We must hold the line on our budget this year.”
“You need to hold the line when the kids ask for more candy.”
“I hold the line on my morning routine even when I am busy.”
“Despite pressure from the board to lower prices, the manager decided to hold the line to protect the company's profits.”
“The union leaders promised to hold the line on safety standards during the long negotiations with the factory owners.”
“Although the clients want the project finished earlier, the lead architect will hold the line to ensure the building is safe.”
“Even as the opposition launched a fierce campaign to change the policy, the senator vowed to hold the line and defend the original legislation.”
disputed origin
Probably an allusion to a line of soldiers remaining steadfastly in position during combat. The term likely refers to the necessity of maintaining a defensive formation to prevent a breach by opposing forces, though the specific historical engagement remains unrecorded.
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apron-string hold
An estate held by a man during his wife's life.
- 02
blur the line
To minimize or erode the distinction between two things.
- 03
bottom line
The summary or result; the most important information.
- 04
bottom of the line
The worst or lowest quality on the market, especially among a range of products.
- 05
bright line
A clear distinction in the context of a legal, moral, ethical, or analytical judgment.
- 06
buy and hold
A passive investment strategy where an investor purchases an asset and retains it for many years, rather than trading it frequently.
- 07
clear one's lines
To clear the ball away from a dangerous position.
- 08
cross the line
To overstep a boundary, rule, or limit; to go too far or do something unacceptable.
Last updated August 10, 2026