The teacher must hold the ring while the students argue.
hold the ring
idiomTo oversee a situation while attempting to remain uninvolved in it.
Origin
disputed originProbably from keep the ring. In days past when spectators would encircle participants in a prizefight or a performance, people would be employed to maintain order among them and keep them from coming too near the participants.
During the heated board meeting, the mediator tried to hold the ring without taking sides.
The diplomat struggled to hold the ring as the two warring factions traded insults, hoping to prevent the fragile peace agreement from collapsing entirely.
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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.
- 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.
- 04
give someone a ring
To place a telephone call to someone.
- 05
hold a grudge
To stay angry (at someone or something).
- 06
hold a light
Synonym of hold a candle.
- 07
hold back
To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.
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hold by the button
To detain in conversation to the point of weariness or tedium; to bore while tallking to