hold1 verbhold2 noun
holdhold1 /həʊld $ hoʊld/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense and past participle held /held/) 
WORD ORIGINhold1
Origin:
Old English healdanVERB TABLE
hold
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | hold |
| he, she, it | holds | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | held |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have held |
| he, she, it | has held | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had held |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will hold |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have held |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am holding |
| he, she, it | is holding | |
| you, we, they | are holding | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was holding |
| you, we, they | were holding | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been holding |
| he, she, it | has been holding | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been holding |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be holding |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been holding |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A blank data disk can hold about 360,000 characters.
- a situation in which a husband and wife both hold shares in a family company
- A smiling woman holding a can of beer came over to us.
- As long as the mild weather holds, you can keep planting.
- Each carton holds 113 oranges.
- Heat the stock in a pot large enough to hold the fish.
- I held her until she went to sleep.
- I held the money tightly in my hand.
- I got the post office to hold our mail while we were on vacation.
- I just want a shelf that will hold some plants.
- I took a glass of champagne from the tray the waiter held out.
- IBM still holds shares in the new company.
- In the photograph there was a small boy holding a flag.
- Lost items will be held for thirty days.
- Militant prisoners held 24 guards hostage on Friday, as jail unrest spread throughout the country.
- No one knows where the kidnapped woman is being held.
- Police are holding two men for questioning in connection with the robbery.
- Several tourists were being held captive by rebels in Kashmir.
- She held a baby in her arms.
- She works for Le Monde, where the staff hold a significant stake in the company.
- Galvanized metal buckets, filled with ice, can hold beverages such as small bottles of ice tea, juices and water.
- I held him under the spigot and squeezed his chest as the icy water ran over him.
- No state yet to hold a primary has as many major media markets as Ohio.
- Plans are well advanced to hold two-day Workshops for staff of colleges invited to progress their Pilot Proposals to Stage 2.
- So she rode slowly through them, mostly holding her breath and praying that they wouldn't charge at her.
- The Van Gogh holds the world auction price record of $ 82.5m.
- Twenty-four solar systems held by the enemy had recently been destroyed.
THESAURUS
to have something in your hand, hands, or arms: · Maria came in holding a letter.· Can I hold the baby?
to hold something very tightly and not let it go: · He gripped her arm so she couldn’t walk away.· Jenny gripped the side of the boat to steady herself.
to hold something tightly, especially because you do not want to drop or lose it: · A businessman hurried past, clutching his briefcase.· The little girl clutched onto his hand.
written to hold someone or something tightly, closing your fingers or arms around them: · She was clasping a bunch of small summer flowers.· He clasped her in his arms and kissed her.
to take something in your hand or hands and hold it: · I took hold of the handle and pulled as hard as I could.· Quickly – try and get hold of that frog!
written to take hold of something firmly, especially in a determined way: · She grasped the lowest branch and pulled herself up into the tree.
to take hold of something suddenly and often violently: · He grabbed my bag and ran off with it.· The other man grabbed hold of (=suddenly took hold of) my arms and threatened me with a knife.
written to take hold of something suddenly and often violently: · A police officer ran after him and seized the gun.
to hold on to something or someone tightly to support yourself: · He hung on to the rail at the back of the motorbike.· Hang on tight!
to continue to hold something: · Greg was struggling to keep hold of the dog.· She tried to take her hand away but he kept hold of it.
Longman Language Activatorto have something in your hand · I held the money tightly in my hand.· In the photograph there was a small boy holding a flag.· A smiling woman holding a can of beer came over to us.hold something up/hold up something (=hold something high in the air) · What a lovely picture! Hold it up so everyone can see it.hold something out/hold out something (=hold something towards someone, especially to offer it to them) · I took a glass of champagne from the tray the waiter held out.
if something is in your hand , you are holding it: · What's that in your hand?· He arrived at the door with an enormous bouquet of flowers in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other.in each hand: · Theo walked across the yard with a pail in each hand.
to hold something tightly to put your hand around something and hold it tightly, in order to stop yourself from falling or from losing what you are holding: · We're coming up to a bumpy bit - you'd better hold on!· Just hang on as best you can and I'll try and get some help.hold/hang on to something: · Mother's not strong. She can't walk without holding on to someone's arm.· People stood hanging on to the overhead straps of the swaying subway car.hold on tight: · As the roller coaster turned upside down I shut my eyes and held on tight.· He inched across the roof, hanging on as best he could.
to hold something tightly, by pressing your fingers very hard against it: · David suddenly gripped my arm and pulled me away from the road.· His knuckles whitened as he gripped the microphone.· She found his hand and gripped it tightly.
to hold something tightly, closing your fingers around it: · "Ah!'' he cried, clutching his stomach.· A group of tourists stood clutching their phrase books.· A little girl stood clasping her mother's hand.· Sally ran out of the house, clasping her schoolbooks to her chest.
to hold on to someone or something very tightly for comfort or support: · The baby monkey clings to its mother's back until it can climb by itself.· Many children will cling to a soft blanket or toy as a substitute for their mother at night.· Rescue workers saved a 9-year-old boy who was clinging to rocks after he was swept into the ocean by the tide.
to start holding something also get a hold of to take something and hold it in your hand: · I took hold of the handle and pulled as hard as I could.· Sheila fished in her handbag until she got hold of her keys.· The baby got a hold of her beads and broke the string.
to quickly and roughly take something and hold it: · Brown grabbed the phone and started shouting.· She turned to him and grabbed his arm so hard it surprised him.grab hold of something: · The boy grabbed hold of my bag and disappeared quickly into the crowd.grab something from somebody: · According to the report, Mason grabbed the gun from a friend.
also grasp for to take something in your hand, especially when it is very difficult to do this: · I clutched at my mother's arm to keep from falling.· The climber grasped at a small hold just above him.
to hold something and turn it around in your hands to hold something and turn it around in your hands, for example to examine it or use it: · Please do not handle the fruit and vegetables.· This violin is very old and valuable and must be handled carefully.
to hold something small and keep turning it around in your hands, especially because you are nervous or bored: · Martina was fiddling nervously with her pen.· Stop fiddling with the remote control!
to hold something in your hands and turn it around continuously for no reason: · She played with the red roses on the table as she talked.· Is it worth reading to our kids when they're busy playing with their hair or their teddy bears? Yes.
to hold something with your fingers or in your hand, trying to move it in some way, but doing it carelessly or with difficulty: · She could hear someone fumbling with the handle of her door.· I fumbled drunkenly with the keys, dropping them to the floor.· He stood before them, his eyes lowered, fumbling with his hat.
to hold a weapon to hold a weapon such as a knife or stick and wave it around so that people can see that you are going to use it: · The rioters faced police who were wielding clubs and batons.knife-wielding/gun-wielding/sword-wielding etc: · Home was a cramped two rooms in a street where gun-wielding criminals walked.
to hold something such as a gun, knife, or stick so that people can see it, especially while threatening them: · A man brandishing a gun had threatened staff and customers at a local bank.· Four horsemen dashed up at full gallop, shouting and brandishing their weapons.
to put your arms around someone to put your arms around someone and hold them close to you, especially to show that you love them, or in order to comfort them: · I held her until she went to sleep.hold somebody tight: · There was nothing I could say so I just held her tight and let her cry.hold somebody in your arms: · She held a baby in her arms.
to hold someone especially when you want to comfort them or kiss them or show that you love them: · Mama put her arms around me and tried to comfort me.· She put her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
to put your arms around someone and hold them close to you, especially to show that you love them, or to comfort them: · My father hugged me affectionately when I got home.· "I'll never forget you,'' she said, and we hugged each other for the last time.hug somebody close/tight: · Jane threw her arms around him and hugged him tight.
to hold someone in your arms for a long time, especially a child, a small animal, or someone you love: · She had fallen asleep in her chair, cuddling a little teddy bear.kiss and cuddle (=when two people hold each other and kiss each other): · They were kissing and cuddling on the sofa.
to gently pull someone towards you and hold them in your arms, especially someone you love: · He took Sophie in his arms and kissed her.· Margaret took the little boy in her arms and carried him downstairs.
formal put your arms around someone and hold them in a friendly or loving way, especially when you are meeting or leaving someone: · Phoebe ran to embrace her mother.· Before my flight was called we stood and embraced.
to hold someone's hand, arm etc to hold someone's hand, especially to comfort them or to make them feel safe: · Hold Mummy's hand -- there's a good girl.· Andrew sat next to Jane and held her hand.· He held her hand tightly and led her across the street.hold hands (=if two or more people hold hands, they hold each other's hands): · She saw Kurt and Eileen coming back from the beach, kissing and holding hands.· Then we all sat in a circle and held hands.
to take hold of someone's hand, arm etc, in order to take them somewhere: · Emily took me by the hand and led me into the garden.· A nurse took her arm and led her to a chair.
the way that someone holds something the way in which someone is holding something: somebody's hold on something: · I tightened my hold on the child as we crossed the busy road.tighten/loosen/relax your hold (on): · My mother relaxed, and loosened her hold on my hand.keep/have hold of: · Prevost asked me if I still had hold of my camera.· In this form of wrestling there are a number of different holds, each used in a different situation.
the way you hold something tightly: · The policeman had a firm grip on my arm.· To play this shot, you need to change your grip on the racquet slightly.lose your grip (=be unable to hold something any longer): · I lost my grip on the branch, and fell out of the tree.tighten your grip (=grip something more tightly): · She looked anxious and tightened her grip on her shoulder bag.
the way you hold something tightly, especially a part of someone's body, in order to keep them close to you: · She tried to escape Moore's grasp but he was too strong for her.tighten your grasp (=grasp something more tightly): · Helen tightened her grasp on my collar and shouted "Don't fool around with me, Mickey!''
to stop holding something to stop holding something or someone: · Let go! You're hurting me.let go of: · She wouldn't let go of the letter.· At the end of the fair, the school let go of hundreds of balloons.
to stop holding something suddenly, especially by accident, so that it falls to the ground: · I dropped my sunglasses and they broke.· As soon as she saw him she dropped her suitcases and ran towards him.
especially written to stop holding something, especially someone's hand, wrist, arm etc: · He took hold of my hand but then released it again quickly.
to have an advantage to have something that makes you more likely to succeed than other people: · The American team seemed to have all the advantages - better training, better facilities, and much better financial support.have an advantage over: · The winning boxer had an advantage over his opponent because he was several pounds heavier.
if someone is at an advantage , they have experience or qualities which make them more likely to succeed in doing something or more likely to do something well: · Students with a strong math background will be at an advantage next year when the statistics course starts.be at an advantage over: · Children have several advantages over adults when it comes to learning another language.distinct advantage (=definite advantage): · Mitchell's height gives him a distinct advantage over the other players.
British /the odds are stacked in somebody's favor American used to say that someone has a big advantage in a competition, election etc so that they are very likely to win: · Everyone knows that you can't win at gambling because the odds are stacked in the dealer's favour.· The odds were stacked in the Labour Party's favour, so it was a great surprise when they were not elected.
to have a big advantage over others in a particular activity, especially because you started doing it before them: have a head start on: · The British have a head start on many other countries in areas such as genetic engineering. give somebody a head start: · Sending your children to nursery school clearly gives them a head start.
to have all the qualities that are likely to make you succeed in whatever you decide to do: · She was bright and pretty and had everything going for her.· Barry had everything going for him -- charm, looks, intelligence, but still he was unemployed.
to have an advantage over others because you are young, have a lot of experience etc: · He is a strong player but his opponent will have youth on his side.· With knowledge of the company on her side, she was more likely to get the job than any of the external candidates.
to have all the advantages in a particular situation so that you can control what happens: · It seemed that he held all the cards and that there was nothing she could do but say 'yes'.
to have more power than someone, especially someone who is fighting against you or who does not agree with you, so that you are likely to defeat them: · Although the rebels control areas in the south, the government still has the upper hand. have the upper hand against: · Police finally have the upper hand against the drug dealers in the area.
to be in a position where you have an advantage over someone and are likely to win, especially in discussions to get something from them: · The government claims that as long as they have nuclear weapons, they can negotiate from a position of strength.· At the end of the war, the US was in a strong position to influence the future of Europe.
to blame someone for something to say or think that someone is responsible for something bad that has happened: · It's your idea - don't blame me if it doesn't work.· Everyone wants to blame the referees when their team loses.blame somebody for something: · Democrats have blamed Republicans for the failure to reach an agreement.blame something on somebody/something: · Some of the women blamed their husbands' violence on drinking.blame yourself: · For many years I blamed myself for her death.
especially spoken to say that someone is responsible for something bad that has happened: · Everyone is saying it's my fault, but I didn't have anything to do with it.say it's sb's fault (that): · How can you say it's my fault that you lost your job?
to say who you think is responsible for something bad that has happened, often unfairly or wrongly: · Don't try to put the blame on me!· Subsequent investigations placed the blame squarely on city officials.put/lay the blame for something on somebody/something: · Farmers have laid the blame for their problems entirely on EU policies.
to say that someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something bad: · They're accusing me without any proof.accuse somebody of doing something: · Are you accusing her of lying?· The woman was accused of having beaten her four-year-old daughter.be accused of murder/armed robbery etc: · West has been accused of first-degree murder.
formal to officially say which people are responsible for something bad that has happened: · It is not easy for the Committee of Inquiry to apportion blame in such a complicated case.
to say that it is someone's fault that something bad has happened because you think it was their duty to prevent this from happening: · It's your decision - you can't hold me responsible if it goes wrong.hold sb responsible for: · Alex still holds his mother responsible for the divorce.hold somebody partly/largely/entirely responsible: · The shipment never arrived, and we are holding the freight company entirely responsible.hold somebody personally responsible (=blame one person only): · If anything happens to Donny, I'll hold you personally responsible.
to feel that something is your fault and wish that you had done more to prevent it from happening: · There's no point in reproaching yourself - there's nothing you could have done.reproach yourself for: · He reproached himself for not having called the police sooner.
to become angry at someone who tells you bad news even though they are not responsible for what has happened: · If you don't listen and instead shoot the messenger, you're not going to learn about the problems you need to deal with.
to be able to contain a particular amount if something holds 50 people, 10 litres etc, that is the amount it can contain: · This jug holds about two litres.· The lecture theatre can hold up to 200 students.· A blank data disk can hold about 360,000 characters.
especially British to only have enough space to contain a particular number or amount, but no more: · The car can only take five people.· The bookshelves won't take any more books.
if a vehicle or ship can carry a particular number of things or people, it has enough space inside for them to go in it: · The helicopters can carry eight soldiers each.· The ferry can carry 300 passengers, plus 100 vehicles.
to completely control a situation to be the most powerful or important person or thing in a situation and therefore able to control it completely: · Men still tend to dominate the world of law - hardly any top judges are women.· You shouldn't allow your job to dominate your life like that.· A handful of multinational companies dominate the economy.
also monopolise British to completely control an activity, situation etc and unfairly prevent other people or organizations from having any control over it at all: · All night he monopolized the conversation, not letting anyone else get a word in.· The company has monopolized the building market in this area.
a situation in which one person or organization unfairly has complete control: have a monopoly: · It is not good for consumers if one company has a monopoly in any area of trade.monopoly of: · It was not easy to persuade the monarchy to let go of its monopoly of power.monopoly over: · Within a few years, the company had a virtual monopoly over all trade with India.
total power and control over a situation, organization etc - use this especially when you think this is not fair or right: have a stranglehold on something: · For years, two giant recording companies have had a stranglehold on the CD market.break the stranglehold (=to stop someone having complete control): · Satellite TV should at last break the stranglehold of the big national TV channels.
to control a situation completely: · In modern politics, no one political group can expect to have total control.have total/complete control over: · The head of department has complete control over the budget.
if a person or group holds sway , they have the most power or influence over the people in a particular situation, place, or organization: · The old communist party still holds sway in many rural areas.hold sway over: · This all happened long ago, when priests held sway over the majority of the Irish people.
to defend a person, place, or country from attack to use physical or military force to protect a person or place that is being attacked: · Hundreds of soldiers died while defending the town.· US troops in Panama will only be used to defend the Canal.defend something against/from somebody: · The castle was built in 1549 to defend the island against invaders.defend yourself: · Carson claims he was defending himself when he struck the other man.
to prevent someone who is attacking you from coming any closer: hold off somebody/something: · The bunkers were built on the cliffs to hold off the enemy's landing forces.hold somebody/something off: · At that point our troops were too weak to hold them off.
British /defense American to defend another person or country that is being attacked: · Things seemed to be going badly until NATO forces came to their defence.come to the defence/defense of somebody: · Rhonda came to the defense of her brother by swinging a chain at his attacker.
British /defense of something American if you do something in defence of a place, especially your country, you do it in order to defend that place: · Would you be prepared to fight in defence of your country?· These brave young men have given their lives in defence of freedom.
to make something happen later or take longer than it should to make something happen later than it should, or take longer than it should: · The President's visit had to be delayed because of security problems.· This latest terrorist attack is bound to delay the peace talks even further.delay by: · The plane's departure was delayed by mechanical problems.be delayed for 5 hours/2 months etc: · The opening of the new bridge may be delayed for several months.
to make something happen late, or make it happen more slowly than it should: hold up something: · Protesters held up work on the new road.be held up by something: · The peace talks are being held up by continued fighting on the border.hold somebody/something up: · They should have finished that job on Friday - what's holding them up?· Her stubbornness on this one issue is holding the whole deal up.
also put back British to delay the progress or development of something by a number of weeks, months etc: set somebody/something etc back: · Your mistake has set us back several weeks.· The Transportation Department first announced that the expressway would be completed by 2002, but it has since set the timetable back.set back somebody/something: · The start date kept being put back, for a variety of reasons.
informal if a person or planned piece of work gets bogged down , they are delayed and prevented from continuing because of complicated or difficult problems: get bogged down in: · The project got bogged down in a series of legal disputes.get bogged down by: · Keep the document simple and avoid getting bogged down by complicated formatting.
to make someone or something arrive late to make someone or something late - use this especially about a problem or something unexpected: · Mr Evans has been delayed but will be joining us shortly.· Our plane was delayed by fog.· I mustn't delay you any longer.get delayed: · There was an accident on the freeway and we got delayed.
to delay someone or something so that they arrive somewhere late: make sb late for: · The accident made us late for work.· I'll let you go - I don't want to make you late for your appointment.make somebody late doing something: · Catching a later train made Frank late getting to the office.
to make someone or something stop or go more slowly when they are going somewhere: hold somebody up: · I won't hold you up - I can see you're in a hurry.hold up somebody/something: · Get a move on, you two! You're holding up the whole queue!be/get held up: · We got held up in traffic and missed the show.
informal to delay someone when they are trying to go somewhere: · He should be here by now. What's keeping him?
formal to delay someone, especially by keeping them talking or working: · I won't detain you for much longer, Miss Reid. There are just a few more questions that I need to ask you.be unavoidably detained (=by something that you cannot prevent): · Mr Jones should be here, but I'm afraid he's been unavoidably detained.
to decide it is better not to do something formal to not do something that you want to do or usually do, especially because you do not want to offend or upset someone: · Kate wanted to slap Keith round the face but she refrained.refrain from: · Rand refrained from comment on the scandal involving his opponent.refrain from doing something: · Please refrain from smoking in the restaurant.
to decide not to do something, especially something enjoyable, because it is considered to be bad for your health or morally wrong: · Most of the church members drink only moderately or abstain completely.abstain from: · You should abstain from food and caffeinated drinks before the operation.abstain from doing something: · Junior politicians are supposed to abstain from criticizing the government.
to not do something extreme, even though what you have been doing or saying until now makes this very likely to be the next thing you do: · The US was willing to support sanctions, but stopped short of military intervention.stop short of doing something: · Morris has strongly criticized Paulson's writings but stops short of calling him a racist.
to not do something, especially because you are worried about what will happen if you do: · He wanted to tell her everything, but something made him hold back.hold back from doing something: · Republicans have expressed interest in the plan but have held back from making a commitment.
to stop yourself from doing something you want to do, because you do not want to offend someone, spoil a secret etc: · It was all I could do to keep from hitting him.keep yourself from doing something: · Sara was so excited, she could hardly keep herself from giving away the whole plan.
to decide or agree not to do something, especially because it is likely to be unsuccessful or is unnecessary: · Look, we aren't making any progress - let's just forget the whole idea.forget it spoken: · If you're not going to take this project seriously we might as well forget it.
to not do something that you were going to do, or to think very carefully before you do it, because you know it could have a bad result: · Anyone thinking about having unprotected sex should think twice.think twice about: · I hope this latest attack will make people think twice about mindless violence towards ethnic minorities.think twice before doing something: · The heavy penalties are designed to make people think twice before committing a crime.
able to drink a lot of alcohol British /can hold your liquor/alcohol American if you can hold your drink , you are able to drink a large amount of alcohol without getting drunk: · He can really hold his drink. I've seen him drink seven whiskies and still play a good game of billiards.· Debra giggled again - she'd never held her liquor very well.
to fight against someone powerful or something bad · Residents are fighting the local council over plans for a new road.· The community is struggling to fight against drug dealers and prostitution, in their effort to make the area a safer place to live.
to fight in a very determined way against changes that you think will be unfair or could take people's freedom away: · By resisting the Mafia's attempts to control the region, he was putting his own life in danger.· The unions have resisted attempts to change the pay structure.
when people fight in a very determined way against changes or a government that they think will be unfair or could take people's freedom away: · She became one of the symbols of resistance both at home and abroad.resistance to: · There has been a lot of resistance to tax increases, even those designed to benefit education.meet with resistance (=cause resistance): · Any policy that creates unemployment is likely to meet with strong resistance.
to fight against someone who is doing something that harms you: · Children are often powerless to fight back when they are treated unfairly.· You must fight back if you become a victim of discrimination.· This nation has been oppressed for too long, and it's time we fought back.
to refuse to accept bad or unfair treatment from someone, especially someone who is stronger or more powerful than you are: · Aggressive bosses are less likely to criticize workers who stand up to them.· He is respected as a leader who is willing to stand up to the West.
to fight in order to show that you are against something that you think is bad or unfair, even though you are not likely to succeed in stopping it: · Although parents and local residents put up a fight, they couldn't stop the school being closed.· People are not going to accept being sent back to the war zone without putting up a fight.
to fight for as long as possible against a change that someone powerful is trying to make, because you think it is wrong or unfair: · The workers held out for several months against the closure of the mine, but they were eventually defeated.
to show publicly that you think something is wrong, and take action to stop it: · If you're not prepared to make a stand yourself, you can't expect anyone else to.make a stand against: · Gandhi and his followers made a determined stand against the racist and imperialist policies of the government.
to fight against something such as a law or system that you think is wrong: · Those who opposed the regime were put into prison or even executed.· There will be a rally on September 22 for all those who oppose direct military action.
to refuse to forgive someone to refuse to forgive someone, because they have done something very bad: never forgive somebody for something: · She never really forgave Roy for what he said.never forgive yourself: · I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to the children while I was out.
to continue to feel angry with someone for a long time because they treated you badly in the past: · Coughlan loved to argue but he never held a grudge.bear/hold a grudge against: · Can you think of anyone who might bear a grudge against you?· Police believe the suspect held a grudge against the federal government.
to dislike someone because of something they did in the past, even though it is no longer important: · Look, he made one mistake - you can't hold it against him for the rest of his life.
to govern a country if a political party or group governs a country, its members make all the important decisions about laws, taxes, relationships with other countries etc: · The former Chancellor questioned the Prime Minister's ability to govern.· The PRI party has governed the country for more than seventy years.governing party (=the political party that is governing a country): · The governing party controls two-thirds of the parliament.
to control a country - use this also about a powerful person or group that controls a country but has not been elected: · Who's running this country, the government or the trade unions?· The revolutionary council ran the country until democratic elections were held.· The country is being run by an interim prime minister, Jean-Claude Cousin.
if a king, queen, military leader, or a foreign government rules a country, they have official power over it: · Marcos ruled the Philippines for 20 years.· India was ruled by the British for a very long time.
if a political party or a leader is in power at a particular time, they are the government or leader of a country at that time: · Castro has been in power for more than 30 years.· Taxes were higher when the Democrats were in power.
especially British if a political party is in government , it has been elected to govern the country: · The Liberal Democrats have been in government for five years now.· He thought it unlikely that the Republican party would be in government for much longer.
to have an important job in a government, for example as its leader or as head of a government department: · Jemison had previously held office as Minister of Education.· In Mexico, the president holds office for a fixed term of six years.· People convicted of certain criminal offenses are not allowed to hold office.
something that makes you feel interested if something is interesting , you give it your attention, because it is unusual or exciting or because it is something that you want to know about: · We saw an interesting film about African wildlife.· The most interesting thing about dinosaurs is the fact that they all died out so suddenly.· Michael's new job sounds really interesting.· There's a course in English business law at King's College that looks interesting. find something interesting (=think something is interesting): · I found the book quite interesting even though it's not the sort of thing I'd normally read.find it interesting (that): · I find it interesting that no one has yet mentioned the President's appalling record on the economy.it is interesting (that): · It is interesting that the present recession is much deeper in the south than in the north. it is interesting to do something: · It would be interesting to know how much he earns.
extremely interesting: · Singapore's exotic mix of cultures - mostly Chinese, Indian, and Malay - makes it a fascinating holiday destination.· The programme focuses on the fascinating story of Mary Shelley, the woman who, at just 18, wrote the horror masterpiece Frankenstein.find something fascinating (=think something is fascinating): · We went round Chesmore Zoo the other day and found it fascinating.it is fascinating to do something: · It's fascinating to imagine what might have happened if the US had stayed out of World War II.
if something is intriguing , you want to know more about it because it is unusual or difficult to understand: · Taylor's latest CD presents the listener with an intriguing mixture of musical styles.it is intriguing to do something: · It is intriguing to note that only one of his books was published during his own lifetime.
if something is of interest to someone, they want to know more about it because it is related to a subject or activity that they are interested in: · Finally, in the last section of the talk I will cover a few miscellaneous topics which I think may be of interest.be of interest to: · Pull your chair over. I heard something today that might be of interest to you.· It is expected that the results of the research programme will be of interest not only to academics, but also to the government.
something that is stimulating is interesting and enjoyable because it gives you new ideas to think about: · Her lectures were always stimulating and covered a variety of subjects.· The Faculty is a large but welcoming and intellectually stimulating community.· The department is very well equipped and provides a stimulating environment for postgraduate research.· New York has always been an exciting and stimulating place to be.
if something such as a book, play, or speech holds your attention , it makes you keep reading, watching, or listening to it and stops you from thinking about other things: · The book holds the reader's attention completely throughout its 600 pages.· At large conferences speakers have to work harder to hold people's attention than at smaller ones.
something that is absorbing holds your attention for a long time because it is very interesting and enjoyable: · Developing your own photographs can be an absorbing hobby.· In an absorbing book about how she learned to fly, Diane Ackerman tells why she chooses to risk her life.
to have a job · I've had a job since the day I left high school.· George had a well-paid job in a computer firm.have a steady job (=one that seems certain to last) · If you have a decent salary and a steady job, you can usually get a loan.
to have a job - used especially in official contexts or in writing: · To qualify for the program, at least one parent must be employed.be employed by: · Curtis was employed by a car rental agency.be employed at: · A graduate of Stanford, she is employed at Jackson, Cole, Roberts & Green, a respected law firm.
someone who is self-employed works for a business that they own or gets paid for work by various companies or people, and is not directly employed by a single company or organization: · He is a self-employed music teacher.· I've been self-employed for over 10 years.
to have a job, especially one that is for a particular period of time, or when it is difficult to keep working: · She was the first woman to hold the job of mayor.· Even men who had always been able to hold down a job found themselves unemployed.
British to have a job - use this when you are comparing someone who has a job with other people who do not have jobs: · She was the only one in the family to be in work.· It's often difficult for people who are in work to appreciate the problems of the unemployed.
to keep something so that someone else can use it later to not sell or give something to anyone else, so that someone can have it or use it later: · Let's save some of this pizza for Jill.· I haven't got enough money with me right now. Can you keep the vase for me while I go to the bank?· If you get any foreign stamps, could you save them for me? My nephew collects them.
British informal to keep something for someone until they are able to collect it, pay for it etc: · If I pay you for the chairs now, could you put them by and I'll collect them tomorrow?
if a shop or a company holds something for someone, they keep it until the person can come to buy or get it: · Your tickets will be held at the box office until one hour before the performance.· I got the post office to hold our mail while we were away.
to keep something separate and not use it because someone is going to buy it or use it later: · One of the rooms was set aside for a yoga class.· They didn't have the dress I wanted but said they would put one aside for me when they had a delivery.
to keep someone in a place as a prisoner to make someone stay in a place and not let them leave, especially as a prisoner: · You can't keep me here against my will - get out of my way.keep somebody in/at etc something: · The guerrillas were keeping the hostages in a camp somewhere in the jungle.· Prisoners were kept in cells with no beds and no running water.
to keep someone somewhere, especially for a short period of time, before deciding what to do with them: · Police are holding two men for questioning in connection with the robbery.· No one knows where the kidnapped woman is being held.hold somebody in/at etc something: · The prisoners were held at Andersonville until more suitable places were found.
to illegally keep someone in a place where they do not want to be, especially as a way of forcing someone to give you money or do what you want: · Police raided the building where rebels were holding 73 government employees captive.hold sb prisoner/captive/hostage in/at etc something: · Four other US citizens are being held hostage by guerrillas in Colombia.· The woman had been held prisoner in Larkin's basement for 3 months.
informal to put someone in a place, especially a prison, and lock it so that they cannot escape: lock somebody up/away: · Didn't they lock his brother away for murder?lock up/away somebody: · The governor argues that locking up criminals has reduced the crime rate.· Prisoners are locked up in their cells for twenty three hours a day.
to keep someone in a room or small place, so that they cannot go where they want to: confine somebody in something: · The boy had been confined in a dark narrow room from early childhood by his parents.confine somebody to something: · The judge is confining the jury to their hotel until after the verdict.
if the police detain someone who they think has done something illegal, they keep them somewhere, usually in order to ask them questions: · Three men from the ship have been detained for questioning by the Harbour Authorities.· The police are now allowed to detain terrorist suspects for as long as a week.
if the police hold or keep someone in custody they keep them in prison until it is time for them to be judged in a court: · McCullough will be kept in custody until her trial on May 3rd.hold/keep somebody in police custody (=in a police station): · A man has been arrested in connection with the murder and is being held in police custody.
to keep the same character, feelings, qualities etc · She's almost 60, but she has kept her good looks.· These cars are a good investment. They keep their value for many years.· I don't know how he managed to keep his sense of humour with all he's been through.
to keep the same character, feelings, qualities etc in spite of difficulties: · She held on to her dreams of stardom throughout her unsuccessful career.· I tried desperately to hang on to my sanity as events became more and more confused.· It's hard to hang on to your dignity when everyone treats you as if you're old and senile.
formal to keep the same character, feelings, qualities etc in spite of other changes: · The new design will be more modern, while retaining the graceful shape of the original.· It's important that you retain a sense of proportion when you're feeling depressed.
to own something if you own something, especially something big like a house, a car, or a company, it is your property and you have the legal right to have it: · We don't own the apartment, we're just renting it.· Clark owns about 40 companies in northern Europe.· They stayed in a villa once owned by the writer, Somerset Maugham.privately owned (=owned by an individual person, not by a company or government): · In National Parks, although the land is privately owned, there are strict controls on the use of the land.
also have got especially British to own something, especially something that ordinary people are likely to own: · We don't have a T.V.· How many of your students have a computer?· What kind of car has she got?· I've worked hard for everything I've got.
formal to own something - use this especially in negative sentences to say that someone does not own something that most people own: · Very few families in this area possess a telephone.· He never wore a suit - I don't think he possessed one.· Because of his gambling, he lost everything he possessed.
to own a larger part of a company than other people so that you have power to make decisions about that company: · As well as owning Mirror Group Newspapers, the Maxwell Corporation also controlled several other businesses.· The Johnson family has effective control of the company, owning almost 60% of the shares.
to own part of a company because you own a number of the equal parts into which it is divided: · She works for Le Monde, where the staff hold a significant stake in the company. · a situation in which a husband and wife both hold shares in a family company
to own part of a company and therefore be able to have a share in the money it makes: · Labatt beer has a 45% stake in the Blue Jays baseball team.· She has a stake in her husband's company, which she will have to give up if they divorce.
if a person, company, or government has an interest in a business, they own part of that business: interest in: · The bank has interests in several companies, including a 15% share of Morgan's Brewery.controlling interest (=a large enough part of the company or business to give you the power to make decisions about it): · Although the government has made some shares in National Oil Products available, it intends to maintain its controlling interest.
to have a party: have a party/get-together/reception etc · We used to have a big Christmas party every year.· The couple had their wedding reception at the Museum of Modern Art.· Mark, my boss, had a surprise party to welcome me home.
to have a party at your home, often a big or expensive one, especially in order to celebrate something: · He threw a huge party to celebrate making his first million dollars.throw a party for: · The staff and patients threw a going-away party for Dr Rogers.· The Krugers threw an impromptu cocktail party for him in the backyard.
: hold a party/dinner/reception/function etc to have a formal or official party: · The anniversary dinner was held Wednesday night at the Washington Hilton.· They are holding a fund-raising reception on Friday in the City Hall.
: give a party/dinner party/lunch party etc to be the person who organizes a party: · I'm giving a dinner party on Thursday night. Would you like to come?· On Maggie's last night in the house, Jo gave a little farewell party.give a party for somebody: · The prospect of giving a dinner party for my boyfriend's snobbish parents filled me with gloom.· The last show of the tour was in Atlanta, and I decided to give a party for the singers and musicians.
: host a party/dinner party/reception etc to be the person who organizes a formal party and officially welcomes the guests: · Colette will be hosting a cocktail reception at 6.00 pm in the Grosvenor Suite.· Last year, the city hosted a three-day gay pride festival.
to give parties, especially fairly formal parties, for people who are not particularly close friends, for example business customers: · I meet a lot of people, but I don't entertain much myself.· Being a sociable person, Eva loved entertaining.· An important part of the job is entertaining business clients.
to force someone to stay in a place as a prisoner to force someone to stay in a place, as if they were a prisoner: · West had abducted the young girl and kept her in his basement for 10 days.keep somebody prisoner: · Police think that the woman may have been kept prisoner for the twenty four hours before she was murdered.
if an enemy or group of criminals takes someone hostage , they keep that person as a prisoner, and threaten to kill or injure them unless they get what they want: · The government is concerned that British troops might be taken hostage by guerrillas.· A band of human rights activists stormed the embassy and took several people hostage.
to keep someone in a place and not allow them to leave - used especially in news reports: · Police are holding two men in connection with the robbery.hold somebody prisoner/hostage/captive: · Several tourists were being held captive by rebels in Kashmir.· Militant prisoners held 24 guards hostage on Friday, as jail unrest spread throughout the country.
to make someone stay in a very small place, with the result that their freedom or movements are restricted: confine somebody to something: · The judge has confined the jury to their hotel until after the verdict.· All the illegal immigrants were confined to a small island in the harbour.be confined in: · Brett was eventually confined in a psychiatric hospital, where he committed suicide.
informal to put or keep someone in a place so that they are no longer free: shut somebody up: · According to the legend, Acrisius built an underground house for his daughter. Here he shut her up and guarded her.· The lawyer claimed that his client had been shut up in a prison cell for hours, when there was no legal reason to keep him.
to do what you promised to do · She was crying because she thought he had not kept his promise.· Respect your teenager's privacy. If you promise not to tell her father, keep your word.keep your promise/word to do something · The government has kept its promise to cut taxes, but this has meant cuts in services, too.
to do or provide what you promised, especially in politics or business when people are uncertain whether you can do this: · Election candidates frequently promise a lot more than they can deliver.· The Prime Minister's economic development strategy has not delivered the promised benefits.deliver on a promise: · Yet again the management has failed to deliver on its promise to provide extra staff training.deliver the goods (=do or provide what you have promised): · Do you think she will be able to deliver the goods?
British /fulfill American formal to do what you have promised to do or what you must do, especially in politics or business: fulfil a pledge/promise/commitment: · Eisenhower finally fulfilled his campaign pledge to end the war in Korea.· In the ROTC program, students fulfill a service commitment after college, in return for a scholarship from the Army or Navy.fulfil a duty/mission: · The general did not have confidence that the Fourth Fleet would be able to fulfil its mission.
to faithfully keep an earlier promise or agreement although there may now be reasons for not keeping it: · Despite his family's opposition, Jake stood by his promise to marry her.· How could she stick to the agreement now that everything had changed so drastically?· I stand by what I said during the campaign.
use this when you are impressed with someone for doing what they promised to do: · The President promised to lower income taxes, and he's been as good as his word.
to do what you promised to do as part of an agreement in which both sides promised to do something: · The strike has ended. The employers must now keep their side of the bargain and increase overtime pay.
to make sure that someone does what they have promised to do: · Parents and teachers need to agree on goals for students, and hold them to it.· Government officials need to be held to their promises.
ways of saying how much space there is somewhere if a container or room holds a particular number or amount, there is space for that number or amount: · This jug holds about a pint.· The hotel dining room can hold up to 50 people.· The gas tank on a small car should hold at least six gallons.
to only have enough space to contain a particular number of things, people etc or a particular amount of something: · My car can only take five people.· The freezer will take about 50 litres of ice cream.· I'll have to throw out some clothes - the closet can't take any more.
if a vehicle, room, or table seats a particular number of people, there is enough space for that number of people to sit: · The auditorium seats 500 people. · The Boeing 747 seats 400-425 passengers.
if a house or room sleeps a particular number of people, there is enough space for that number of people to sleep there: · You can rent a country cottage that sleeps six from as little as £300 a week.
to steal from a house, shop, or bank to steal money or property from a bank, shop etc, especially by using threats or violence: · He got five years in jail for robbing a gas station.· Two men robbed the Central Bank yesterday, escaping with over $1 million.
British /burglarize American to illegally enter a house or office and steal things: · He was caught burgling the house of a police officer.· Our apartment has been burglarized twice since we moved here.
to steal things from a shop, for example by hiding them under your clothes or in a bag: · The clerk spotted the girl shoplifting and stopped her from leaving the store.
to go into a bank, shop etc with a gun and demand money: · The men who held up the store were wearing Halloween masks.· He was arrested and charged with holding up a cab driver.
to steal things from shops or other buildings, especially during a war or at a time when the police or army have lost control of an area: · His store was broken into and looted during the riot.· As the army advanced toward Mantes it burned and looted everything that lay in its path.
to prevent someone from doing what they want to do to make it impossible for someone to do something that they want to do: prevent somebody from doing something: · A leg injury may prevent Shearer from playing in tomorrow's game.· There were reports that some people had been prevented from voting in the election.
to stop someone from doing something that they want to do, especially by controlling them in an unreasonable way: · I've made up my mind to leave home, and you can't stop me.stop somebody (from) doing something: · My parents tried to stop me seeing Anne.· The government has taken legal action to stop the BBC from broadcasting a documentary about the Secret Service.
to prevent someone from doing something, especially something that might be harmful or upsetting: · Staying busy kept her from thinking about her illness.· It was all I could do to keep myself from hitting him.
to prevent someone from doing something harmful or stupid, either by physically stopping them or by persuading them not to do it: · Roger stepped forward and Martin put out his arm to restrain him.restrain yourself: · She wanted to ask him all about his private life, but wisely restrained herself.restrain somebody from doing something: · His arm was hurting him and he had to be restrained from doing too much.
to prevent someone or something from moving forward or making progress: hold back somebody/something: · The police had already erected crash barriers to hold back the advancing crowds.· The poor economic situation has held back investment in new technology.hold somebody/something back: · Bill leapt to his feet to go after the girl, but the others held him back.· She always felt that being a woman had held her back in her career.
to make someone too busy to do something else, especially something they should do: · Don't let your social life get in the way of your education.
to make it less likely that someone will do something, for example by showing them that it may have a bad or unwelcome result: · Higher taxes are likely to discourage investment.· It is a well known fact that a negative working environment discourages creativity.discourage somebody from doing something: · Higher cigarette prices do not seem to discourage people from smoking.
to stop yourself from having or showing a feeling to try hard to stop yourself laughing, crying, or showing anger: hold back something: · Jack held back his tears and pretended not to be disappointed.· Sarah held back a sob of relief.hold something back: · I wanted to laugh, but I managed to hold it back.· She struggled to hold her feelings back.
: stifle a yawn/a smile/laughter etc to try to stop yourself showing that you are tired, amused etc especially because you do not want to seem rude: · She stifled a yawn as the boss read out the sales figures.· Maria looked away and stifled a giggle.
written to make a strong effort to stop yourself from showing feelings of anger, sadness etc: · I suppressed an urge to laugh.· He looked at me, waiting with suppressed anger.· It's not good to suppress your feelings.
to manage to stop feeling something that affects you very strongly, for example fear, pain etc: · She managed to overcome her shyness, and stepped forward to introduce herself.· Hilton stepped into the room, fighting to conquer his feelings of disgust.
to make someone stop moving · The police are stopping drivers to ask questions about the accident.· The truck was stopped by customs officers for a routine check.· A man stopped me in the street and asked if I knew where the theatre was.
to hold someone so that they cannot move forward or attack someone: · It took three men to restrain him.· Mary got up to go after them, but I put out my arm to restrain her.
to prevent someone from moving forward or into a place: · They put up huge barriers to hold back the crowd.· My father held me back, otherwise I would have rushed up onto the stage.
to surprise or frighten you, so that you stop suddenly: · Seeing the policeman there stopped me dead. I didn't know what to do.· Jim was stopped in his tracks by the sound of a rifle behind him.
to stop a car that is coming towards you by waving your arms: flag down something: · I managed to flag down a passing car and ask for help.flag something/somebody down: · The patrolman stepped out in front of the truck to flag it down.
if someone, especially a police officer pulls you over , they make you stop driving and park at the side of the road: · The police pulled me over and checked my licence.· He got pulled over on the way home and had to take a breath test.
to stop something such as a boat or plane, before it has finished its journey or achieved its purpose: · Two British ships were sent to intercept the convoy.· All three fighter planes were intercepted and destroyed.
to support something or someone so that they do not fall down · Unfortunately, the branch was too weak to support his weight.· The ceiling was supported by huge stone columns.· Sitting at a table in the coffee shop, her chin supported by her hands, she was deep in thought.· Her body was so weak that she had to be supported by two nurses.
to support the weight of something and prevent it from falling down. Hold up is more informal than support: hold up something: · We can't knock that wall down. It's the one that holds up the house.· These poles hold up the outer part of the tent.hold something up: · Why don't we use some of these pieces of wood to hold it up?· The only thing holding the wall up was a frail-looking section of scaffolding.
formal to support all the weight of something, especially something heavy: · The baby's narrow neck looked too fragile to bear the weight of its head.· The tunnel would have needed to be extremely strong to bear the full weight of the earth above.
if something carries a particular weight, it is able to support it, especially because it has been designed to: · The bridge could only carry up to two cars at a time.· The pillars have been specially strengthened in order to carry the weight of the new ceiling.· Front tyres tend to go down more quickly than back ones, because they carry more weight.
to support the weight of someone or something - use this especially to say whether or not something is strong enough to do this: · I hope the ice is strong enough to take my weight.· I'm not sure if this table can take the weight of all these books.
to stop something from falling by putting something else against it or under it: prop up something: · The builders have propped up the walls with steel beams.prop something up: · I sat down and propped my feet up on the edge of the desk.
to support something such as a wall or a building that has been damaged or is in bad condition by putting big pieces of wood or metal against it: shore up something: · The fence was shored up with sheets of old iron.shore something up: · Our huts were falling down, so we used branches to shore them up.
to talk too much about a particular thing also keep on British especially spoken to keep talking or complaining about something, in a way that is annoying or boring: go on about: · I wish you'd stop going on about how expensive everything is.· Lucy keeps on about little things that happened in the past until I want to scream.go on and on (=keep talking for a long time): · He went on and on until we were all practically asleep.
to keep mentioning something in a way that other people find annoying: · Stop harping on the weather - we can't change it.harp on about: · If you harp on about their bad habits too long, the kids will just stop listening.
British /belabor the point American to express the same idea again and again with the intention of making it clear, but with the result that people get bored: · Everyone agrees with what you said - there's no need to belabor the point.· If the students aren't listening it may be because the teacher is labouring the point too much.
to talk to a group of people you are with, giving your opinions or telling a story in a way that does not let other people have a chance to talk - use this when you think the situation is slightly humorous: · Grandma was holding forth as usual, retelling all the old family stories.hold forth about/on: · Tom was in the corner, holding forth about the economic situation.· After a few drinks, he would hold forth for hours on government conspiracy theories.
to not tell someone something they want to know to not give information, especially when you have been officially asked to do so: withhold information/evidence/facts etc: · Civil servants should be as helpful as possible, and withhold information only in the interests of national security.· When the article was published, I asked for my name to be withheld.withhold from: · He was accused of withholding vital evidence from the police.
informal to refuse to give someone the information that they want, even though they keep asking you: · We all feel that members of the Medical Research Council are holding out on us.· Why are you holding out on me like this? I'm your lawyer and I need to know what happened.
to not tell anyone anything about something, especially about your plans or intentions, when they are asking about them or are very interested to know about them: · I asked Teresa if she thought she and Liam would get married, but she wouldn't give anything away.· Whatever the England manager's plans are for tonight, he's not giving anything away.
to not tell someone a secret, especially when they are asking you questions about a subject connected with that secret: · Don't worry -- I won't let on.not/never let on about: · She never let on about her boyfriend's criminal past.
to threaten someone to tell someone that you will hurt them or cause serious problems for them if they do not do what you want: · Then he started threatening me and saying that my family might get hurt.threaten to do something: · When they found out he was an American, the soldiers threatened to kill him.· Every time we have a quarrel, she threatens to leave me.threaten somebody with a knife/gun etc: · After threatening the manager with a knife, he stole £300 and ran off.threaten somebody with violence/jail/legal action etc (=say you will hurt someone, put them in prison etc): · I was threatened with jail if I published the story.
to try to make someone do what you want by making them feel afraid: · He's being kept in jail until the trial so that he can't intimidate any of the witnesses.· The boss is quite tough, but don't let him intimidate you.intimidate somebody into doing something: · Some workers are saying that they were intimidated into accepting the pay cuts, with threats of job losses.
to try to make someone stay away from somewhere or stop doing something by warning or threatening them: · Journalists trying to investigate the scandal were warned off by the FBI.warn somebody off something: · The old man warned them off his land.warn somebody off doing something: · Joanna's brothers had warned him off seeing her again.
British to force a group, organization, or government to give you what you want by threatening to cause political or financial difficulties if they do not: · What gives cheaper fuel campaigners the right to hold the country to ransom?· The president said that the company would not be held to ransom by strikes.
to repeatedly threaten to harm someone: · He wanted more money and over the next few weeks made further threats.make/issue threats about: · It's a waste of time issuing vague threats about imposing sanctions -- we should send in the army.make/issue threats against: · Threats have been made against the judge who is investigating the case.
informal to threaten witnesses, judges, or other people involved in a court case in order to influence the court's decision: · The trial had to be abandoned when it was discovered that jury members had been got at by the Mafia.· He didn't like the idea that he had been nobbled, especially by a woman.· When the police questioned Davis, it was clear someone else had gotten to him first.
formal achieved by using unfair threats to force someone to admit something or give something to someone: · The confession had been obtained under duress, and therefore could not be allowed as evidence.· In her defence, the accused said that she had been acting under duress when she took the money.
what you say to tell someone to wait · Wait, I have a better idea.· Wait! We haven't talked to Vicky yet.wait a minute/moment/second etc · Wait a minute. I forgot to turn off the lights.· Wait a second, don't rush off!
say this when you want someone to wait a short time: · Just a minute, I'm almost ready.· Just a second, let me just check I've got my keys with me.
also hang on especially British use this to tell someone to wait for a short time: · Hold on - I haven't finished yet.hold on a minute/moment/second etc: · Hang on a minute while I find her phone number.
use this to tell someone to be patient because they will find out about something later: · "So what's this surprise you've got for me then?" "Wait and see."· I'm not going to tell you who else I've invited - you'll just have to wait and see.
say this when you are advising someone to wait before deciding something, in order to see how the situation develops: · Let's load up the program and see how things go.· See how things go for another week, and if you're no better we'll change the treatment.
American use this to tell someone to stop, because you want to talk to them or go with them: · Wait up, you guys! I can't walk that fast.
say this when you want someone to know that you will be able to see them or talk to them very soon: · I'm sorry for the delay, sir - I'll be right with you.· Hang your coat up and make yourself at home - I'll be right there.
formal use this to ask someone to wait patiently while you explain something or while you finish what you are doing: · If you'll just bear with me, I'll explain.· Bear with me for just a couple of minutes while I find my notes.
say this to someone who is hurrying too much, when you want them to slow down: · Hold your horses - I haven't even said I'll do the job yet!
spoken say this to someone who wants you to hurry, to tell them that you are not going to: · "When are we going to open the presents?" "All in good time."
to wait to spend time not doing very much, while you are expecting something to happen or expecting someone to arrive: · Wait here until I get back.· Hurry up, everyone's waiting.wait for somebody: · I'll stay here and wait for Suzie.wait for something: · We spent almost an hour just waiting for the bus.wait (for) a minute/two hours/a long time etc: · Where have you been? I've been waiting since 7:00.· You'll have to wait a few minutes - I'm not ready yet.wait to do something: · Are you waiting to use the phone?wait for somebody/something to do something: · She waited for him to reply.· He waited for the applause to die down before he continued speaking.keep somebody waiting (=make someone wait, for example by arriving late): · I'm so sorry I kept you waiting.wait and see (=wait to find out what will happen): · I've done as much as I can - now all I can do is wait and see what happens.wait-and-see attitude/position/approach etc: · The airline industry has adopted a wait-and-see attitude to the report's proposals.
spoken to wait, especially in a difficult situation, hoping that something good will happen: · Captain Damas decided it was best to hold on and wait for the other ship to arrive.· We knew that if we hung on long enough, things were bound to change.
also hang about British informal informal to wait in one place without doing anything, so that you are wasting time: · Sally hung around for over an hour but no-one came.· I wish we could get on with the job. I hate all this hanging about.hang around for British: · We spent half an hour hanging about for Kerry.hang around for hours/ages etc: · We were hanging around for hours before they opened the gates.keep somebody hanging around: · We can't keep our troops hanging around forever, doing nothing.
to wait and be ready to do something if needed: · The family stood by, knowing that she might wake up any minute.stand by for: · The crew was ordered to stand by for take-off.stand by to do something: · The Foreign Minister had a helicopter standing by to whisk him to the northern city of Afula.
to wait before doing something that other people are also waiting to do, because some of them have the right to do it before you: · Everyone has to wait their turn.wait your turn to do something: · A long line of people waited their turn to shake his hand.
to wait until something has finished, especially something unpleasant or boring: sit it out: · If the plane's late, there's nothing we can do except sit it out.sit something out: · Tony forced himself to sit the play out.sit out something: · Like many people in the community, we sat out the storm at home, hoping no disasters would occur.
formal to wait for something: · The committee is awaiting a decision from head office before it takes any action.· Two men have been charged with murder and are now in prison awaiting trial.
used to describe things that you have waited for for a long time: · The next morning we received the long-awaited order to attack.· It is hoped that these measures will trigger the long-awaited upturn in the economy.
when someone is waiting for something to happen able to wait calmly without becoming annoyed or bored: · I'm sure she'll write soon. Just try to be patient.· Halle was patient, waiting for the boy to finish his explanation.
becoming annoyed because you have been waiting for a long time: · Don't be so impatient. I'm working as fast as I can.· By this time there was a queue of impatient customers waiting to be served.impatient for: · The new minister was almost immediately the object of attack by politicians and press impatient for results.get/become/grow impatient (with): · I could see that Max was getting impatient with me.
to wait happily or excitedly for something that is going to happen: · I'm really looking forward to this trip to Japan.· We used to look forward to the weekends because that was when we could spend some time together.look forward to to doing something: · I look forward to meeting you next month.
if you say you can't wait , you mean you feel excited and impatient because something good is going to happen and you want it to happen as soon as possible: · We're flying to Austria on Friday. I can't wait!can't wait for: · I can't wait for Christmas!· School is so boring. I can't wait for the holidays to come.can't wait to do something: · I can't wait to see their new house.· She couldn't wait to quit her job and get married.
to wait anxiously to see what is going to happen, especially when there is a possibility that something bad may happen: · Rachel held her breath as she waited for his answer.· The art world will be holding its breath to see how much these paintings sell for at auction.
waiting hopefully and excitedly for something to happen: · Bright expectant faces were turned upward toward the stage.· Expectant crowds waited outside the theatre.· The darkened assembly room became suddenly hushed and expectant as the picture appeared on the screen.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
He was holding a knife in one hand. I held the baby in my arms. He held out his hand to help her to her feet. In April, the president held talks with Chinese leaders. A couple of screws should hold it in place. She was the first woman to hold the office of Australian state premier. The governor had held the post since 1989. Whoever is elected will hold office (=have an important political position) for four years. The programme still holds the record for the longest running TV series. A senior army officer was held hostage for four months. If anything happens to her, I’ll hold you personally responsible. a privately-held company Since then, the pound has held steady against the dollar. Twenty years on, his advice still holds good. Hold it! We’re not quite ready. Thousands of workers are waiting to see what the future holds. Many church services hold little appeal for modern tastes. She struggled to hold back her tears. Hold on tight! Negotiators aren’t holding out much hope of a peaceful settlement. alternative methods which hold out the promise of improved health The school is held up as a model for others.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The hospital should be held accountable for the quality of care it gives. The church was held in great affection (=loved and cared about a lot) by the local residents. He emerged, holding a baby aloft. She had always kept herself aloof from the boys in class. The doctor held himself somewhat aloof from the rest of the ship’s crew. A small centre party holds the balance of power (=is able to make either side more powerful than the other by supporting them) in the Assembly. Workers at the plant held a ballot and rejected strike action. a pilot who was held captive (=kept as a prisoner) for six years Miss Perry caught hold of my sleeve and pulled me back. deeply held religious beliefs Willis was held in detention for five years. The King held dominion over a vast area. a property held in escrow The critics held him in high esteem as an actor. The funeral will be held at St. Martin’s Church. an attempt to persuade the government to hold a general election (=have a general election) Kay grabbed hold of my arm to stop herself falling. I could see he was carrying a gun. The group are holding two tourists hostage (=keeping them as hostages). Our country must not be held hostage to our past. He is reportedly being held incommunicado at a military prison. The coroner will hold an inquest into the deaths. The Tories will hold a private inquest into why they were defeated. I’m holding you personally responsible for this mess! The Green Party held a press conference the next day. It all comes down to who holds the purse strings. The city council agreed to hold a referendum on the issue in November. The sudden noise made him release his hold on her arm. If anything goes wrong, I will hold you personally responsible. The government’s proposals were held up to ridicule (=suffered ridicule) by opposition ministers. He had no respect for everything I held sacred. All firearms should be kept securely locked in a cabinet. The service was held in the chapel. Several thousand students staged sit-ins and protest marches. ‘King Lear’ still holds audiences spellbound. He holds a 51% stake in the firm. As we left, I wondered what the future held in store. The two presidents agreed to hold a summit in the spring. These old attitudes still hold sway in the church. His mother kept a tight hold on his hand. The money your father left you will be held in trust until you are 21.
He was holding a knife in one hand. I held the baby in my arms. (=hold each other’s hands) They sat holding hands under a tree.
They sat holding hands under a tree. (=with your arms around someone) Max held her close and wiped away her tears.
Max held her close and wiped away her tears. He held out his hand to help her to her feet. In April, the president held talks with Chinese leaders. A couple of screws should hold it in place. She was the first woman to hold the office of Australian state premier. The governor had held the post since 1989. Whoever is elected will hold office (=have an important political position) for four years. The programme still holds the record for the longest running TV series. A senior army officer was held hostage for four months. (=keep someone somewhere and not allow them to communicate with anyone)
(=be the opinion of a lot of people) This view is not widely held.
This view is not widely held. If anything happens to her, I’ll hold you personally responsible. a privately-held company Since then, the pound has held steady against the dollar. (=make someone stay interested) Colourful pictures help hold the students’ interest.
Colourful pictures help hold the students’ interest. Twenty years on, his advice still holds good. (=continues to be good) If our luck holds, we could reach the final.
If our luck holds, we could reach the final. Hold it! We’re not quite ready. (=used to tell someone to do something more slowly or carefully)
Thousands of workers are waiting to see what the future holds. Many church services hold little appeal for modern tastes. She struggled to hold back her tears. Hold on tight! Negotiators aren’t holding out much hope of a peaceful settlement. alternative methods which hold out the promise of improved health The school is held up as a model for others. The hospital should be held accountable for the quality of care it gives. The church was held in great affection (=loved and cared about a lot) by the local residents. He emerged, holding a baby aloft. She had always kept herself aloof from the boys in class. The doctor held himself somewhat aloof from the rest of the ship’s crew. (=one that you have had all your life)· It’s been her lifelong ambition to work with horses.
· I dreamt I saw my mother again with her arms stretched out towards me.
(=gently put your arms around someone you love)· He took her in his arms and kissed her.
· I don't think that bag will hold all those books..
· He was being held without bail pending another hearing.
A small centre party holds the balance of power (=is able to make either side more powerful than the other by supporting them) in the Assembly. Workers at the plant held a ballot and rejected strike action. (=that you believe very much)· her strongly-held belief that things were much better in the past
(=that a lot of people believe)· The article expressed the widely-held belief that unemployment leads to crime.
· He held this belief until the day he died.
(=not breathe out for a few seconds or minutes)· How long can you hold your breath underwater?
(=a small one that you hold in your hand)· The calculations can be done using a hand-held calculator.
a pilot who was held captive (=kept as a prisoner) for six years Miss Perry caught hold of my sleeve and pulled me back. formal:· The company is holding a celebration for its 75th anniversary.
· A ceremony was held in Berlin to mark the occasion.
· The championships are being held next Sunday at the San Jose Arena.
(=provide a class)· Evening classes are held in the local school.
(=arrange for a clinic to take place)· The hospital holds vaccination clinics once a fortnight.
(=hold someone against your body) He drew her close to him.
He drew her close to him. (also yield a clue formal) (=provide one)· The poem itself holds a clue about who it was written for.
formal· The museum holds a comprehensive collection of photographs from that period.
· Each year the school holds a painting competition.
· This data is all held on a central computer.
(=have one)· Their annual conference was held in Chicago.
· Further consultations will be held with local residents.
· How much liquid will this container hold?
(=have a low opinion of something or someone, and show it)· He was one of those men who hold in contempt those who do not share his point of view.
· My college holds an athletics contest once a year.
· The court ruled that the penalty was not excessive.
· The men have been held in custody since they were arrested.
deeply held religious beliefs formal (=have one)· The ideal candidate will hold a degree in physical chemistry.
(=organize and take part in one)· In April, students began holding demonstrations to demand more freedom.
Willis was held in detention for five years. The King held dominion over a vast area.· The government plans to hold an election in November.
a property held in escrow The critics held him in high esteem as an actor. (=organize an event in the evening)· The college is holding an open evening on May 6th for year 9 to 11 pupils.
(=organize a public event)· The charity plans to stage several fund-raising events this year.
(=use someone as a good example of something)· He was held up as an example to the younger athletes.
(=carry one out)· The executions will be held later today.
formal (=have an exhibition)· Hayward Gallery is mounting an impressive exhibition of new British artists.
(=arrange for a feast to take place)· The feast was held in the college dining hall.
· Tucson had a film festival last month.
The funeral will be held at St. Martin’s Church. (=what will happen)· He is worried about what the future holds for the company.
(=keep looking at someone who is looking at you)· He held her gaze for a few seconds, then continued eating.
an attempt to persuade the government to hold a general election (=have a general election) Kay grabbed hold of my arm to stop herself falling.· The police asked if anyone might have had a grudge against the victim.
· He insisted that he held no grudge against Taylor.
I could see he was carrying a gun.· Joanne and Kevin held hands on the sofa.
· His other hand was holding his mobile phone.
(=respect them very much) As an educationalist, he was held in very high esteem. Romsey earned high praise from his boss.
As an educationalist, he was held in very high esteem. Romsey earned high praise from his boss. (=say that you think something is likely)· Negotiators did not hold out much hope of a peaceful solution.
The group are holding two tourists hostage (=keeping them as hostages). Our country must not be held hostage to our past. He is reportedly being held incommunicado at a military prison. The coroner will hold an inquest into the deaths. The Tories will hold a private inquest into why they were defeated.· The government has refused to hold an inquiry into the incident.
(=keep a job)· He had never been able to hold down a job.
· In his hand, he held a long knife.
· Who has the lease on the flat?
British English (=have a licence)· Police said that the man did not hold a firearms licence.
(=they continue having good luck)· Our luck held, and the weather remained fine.
· The Democratic party has a majority in the Senate.
formal (=have a meeting)· The meetings are usually held on a Friday.
(=remain calm and confident in a difficult situation)· The team held their nerve and went on to win.
(=so that you cannot smell a bad smell)· The smell was so revolting that I had to hold my nose.
(=have a particular important job or position) Trujillo held office as finance minister.
Trujillo held office as finance minister.· Everyone seemed to have a different opinion.· He holds strong opinions on these issues.
· The party was held at his flat.
· I have a Canadian passport.
I’m holding you personally responsible for this mess! (also the police detain somebody formal) (=keep them at a police station)· The police can hold suspects for up to 48 hours without charge.· The police detained several activists, but released them after questioning.
(=stay in a position)· Pull in your tummy muscles and hold that position.
(=have an opinion)· We take the position that these changes are to be welcomed.
(=have it)· She had previously held a senior position in another school.
(=have a job)· He had previously held the post of Foreign Minister.
(=be in power)· Economic disaster befell the country during the decade when he held power.
The Green Party held a press conference the next day. (=make them keep it)· The next day, Gareth held me to my promise to take him fishing.
(=seem likely to be good or successful – used of things)· The Internet clearly held great promise as an educational tool.
· Opponents of the plan have staged several protests.
It all comes down to who holds the purse strings.· The race will be held on February 25th.
· The students had been refused permission to hold their rally in Victory Square.
· From 1 Dec 1914 to 31 Oct 1915 he held the rank of captain.
· The wedding reception will be held at The Grand Hotel.
(=have it)· Davies holds the record for most points in a season.
The city council agreed to hold a referendum on the issue in November.· Doctors are held in high regard by society.
The sudden noise made him release his hold on her arm. If anything goes wrong, I will hold you personally responsible. The government’s proposals were held up to ridicule (=suffered ridicule) by opposition ministers. He had no respect for everything I held sacred.· The Liberals now hold 292 seats in Parliament.
(also retain a seat formal) (=not lose it in an election)· He is unlikely to retain his seat after next year's election.· Labour managed to hold the seat, but with a reduced majority.
(=wait a short time) ‘Is Al there?’ ‘Hold on a sec, I’ll check.’
‘Is Al there?’ ‘Hold on a sec, I’ll check.’ All firearms should be kept securely locked in a cabinet. The service was held in the chapel.· A lot of the employees own shares in the company.
Several thousand students staged sit-ins and protest marches. ‘King Lear’ still holds audiences spellbound. He holds a 51% stake in the firm.· A recent poll showed his approval rating holding steady at 53 percent.
As we left, I wondered what the future held in store. The two presidents agreed to hold a summit in the spring. These old attitudes still hold sway in the church.· He called on the rebels to hold talks with the government.
(=not cry even though you feel like crying)· She gave her version of events, often struggling to hold back the tears.
His mother kept a tight hold on his hand. (=control it very firmly) The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings.
The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings.· Sorry I’m late – I was stuck in traffic.
· We believe the trial will be held sometime next month.
The money your father left you will be held in trust until you are 21. (=its value does not fall over time)· Good quality furniture should hold its value.
· People brought up in different times hold different social values.
(=have an opinion)· He has very left-wing views.
· There is a widely-held view that young people eat too much junk food.
(=strong views that someone is unwilling to change)· He is known for his strongly held views on modern art.
(=good weather continues in the same way)· The forecast said the weather should hold until Tuesday.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· He was still holding my arm but there was space between us.· If both parties committed abandonment, adultery, or extreme cruelty, the union was still held to be inviolate.· A little while later, still holding Maura in his arms, Michael threw his handful of dirt on to the coffin.· I giggled with him, still holding back.· However, the yacht club flourishes, and the regatta is still held.· Why in the name of Bob Dole dressed as Carmen Miranda is that great steaming nonsense still held?· He says they would still hold all the Liberal Deomcrat strongholds in the South.· Remove the glass from the water, still holding it vertically, open side down.
NOUN· He could see a woman holding a young baby standing at the end of the hall.· Her recovery had been slow, and she had not been able to see or hold her baby for twenty-four hours.· Like many others, the problem was mostly the way she held the baby.· When holding their baby, they experienced an overwhelming feeling of loving connection.· Both hands free A sling like this enables you to hold your baby close without using your hands.· Clarisa was sitting up in bed, propped against a pillow and holding the baby.· Dad had his arm round Carrie, Carrie was cuddling Zen, Crystal was holding the new baby.· Remember how Matt had to learn to hold his babies tight when they cried and had to overcome the boredom he felt?
· During the general election the doggie vote could hold the balance of power.· Since 1969 the centrist Free Democrats have held the balance of power in the Bundestag.· But despite their endorsement in the municipal elections last October, it is not the moderates who hold the balance of power.· A nebulous collective leadership, including the chiefs of the powerful armed forces, may still be holding the balance of power.· Thomas Cranmer and Aleister Crowley were held in uneasy balance in his sympathies.· One other group is expected to get more than 23 seats - and therefore to hold the balance of power.
· Along with many of his contemporaries, Mercator held the Baconian belief that knowledge should be exploited for utilitarian ends.· We are of the deeply held belief that many human beings have come to behave as materialistic tyrants.· Do you hold any specific beliefs about what might be called beauty?· Groups of work-inhibited students may reinforce mutually held beliefs that school is a negative environment.· It was the commonly held belief then that never again would this communal beast be allowed to rear its head.· We constantly challenged and reviewed our own most devoutly held beliefs.· Ten years later, his new book shows that he no longer holds such a belief.· He held a peculiar scientific belief relating to this matter.
· He examined the pieces with the naked eye, then with his glass, while behind him Isobel held her breath.· We held our breath from the fourth pick on.· She didn't want to hear, but she held her breath and listened for any sound.· As the others crossed their fingers and held their breath, he gently eased away the back plate.· An anxious nation holds its breath.· She held her breath and listened.· We held our breath as Loi carefully pulled in the last few yards of line hand over hand.
· In 1830, the National Association held its first conference.· No one held a news conference to tout this one, and days passed before anyone caught wind of it.· It holds an overnight conference during the Easter vacation.· Fujimori said previous radio contacts broke off after the guerrillas held an impromptu news conference, disrupting negotiations up to that point.· If it had only been possible to hold the conference without him!· Recently, for example, Clinton held a news conference to explain what he had been doing vis-a-vis political contributors.· The Maastricht treaty commits them to holding a big treaty-revising conference in 1996.· The jurors in the criminal trial did not hold a news conference after their verdict and in many cases avoided in-depth interviews.
· If one party freely consents to a clause, a court is unlikely to hold it unreasonable.· A key question for the court is whether Jackson held his views about Microsoft before he began hearing the case.· First, a court might hold that there was no authority to make the rule and invalidate it.· Several courts have held, however, that express disclaimers in employee handbooks can negate any promises made.· Yesterday a court agreed to police holding them a further 36 hours.· Some courts have held prior review procedures unconstitutional because they lacked either clear standards or due process safeguards.· Alternatively, the court may hold that occupancy was shared between the guest and the hotel.· Fears about the admissibility of electronic invoices as evidence in court proceedings have held back some factors.
· Yet there are still no plans to hold an election.· Oklahoma is expected to hold a special election on the issue early next year.· Why else would you hold an election?· Dos Santos has suggested that he may hold national elections next year.· After Diem refused to hold the elections in 1956, meanwhile, the Viet Minh in the South grew restive.· He challenged de Klerk to hold a whites-only election.· Why, oh why, could not the debate on the Bill be held after the general election?
· Here are held temporary art exhibitions.· The races are held at Exhibition Place.· Leigh's retainer as a consultant has supported the space, which held five exhibitions until it closed this fall.· In 1933 Schulz held exhibitions of his drawings and engravings in Warsaw.· The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, which held its inaugural exhibition in 1888, came into being through his initiative.
· His hand slid downwards, holding hers in a grip that was suddenly unbreakable.· Or what strong hand can hold his swift foot back?· I hold your hand and you hold mine.· A single Macintosh disk, on the other hand, could hold ten of those chapters!· A gasp escaped her as his arms clasped her against him, one hand holding her head to his shoulder.· The hands that held the lines were freckled like tortillas.· A hand holding a scrap of hanky pressed on her veil where her mouth was.· I wait, hands held high, elbows still threatening to drip one last drop.
· Note how they hold their heads high above the surface.· I saw how he held his head, slightly stiffly, and how the very air around him seemed charged.· These teachers exerted considerable influence within the school, because they held positions as heads of departments or as year heads.· He held my head as I pumped away.· She held her head proudly and, even before she moved, conveyed a feline quality of grace and languor.· A gladiator named Justice holding the distinctive Salinas head in one hand, a bloodied sword in the other.· A gasp escaped her as his arms clasped her against him, one hand holding her head to his shoulder.· The writer reached his side a minute after, to find General Hill holding the head and shoulders of the wounded chief.
· And he could hold out no hope of any financial assistance.· The sky, however, held out hope.· When Topaz arrived at the residence of Lord Oswin Lovat she didn't hold out much hope of prising his purse open.· Still, I held on to my hope.· I want Fairfax to tell me, but I don't hold out much hope.· I don't hold out much hope though!· Look, don't hold out too much hope that you're going to be successful in this.· For if the landscape holds some hope to the left it brings with it threats from the right.
· On 26 July 1986 Father Lawrence Jenco was released after being held hostage for 18 months.· Don Nickles, R-Okla. who is holding the bill hostage because Sen.· At least Shudder To Think refuse to hold history hostage.· The Packers are owned by their fans, so the city can not be held hostage for a new stadium.· One is the extent of her familiarity with Nestor Cerpa Cartolini, the leader of the rebels holding the hostages.· In effect, Gingrich is holding the Interior Department hostage to his attempt to put new restrictions on Medicare patients.· Yet, the Republican Party is being held hostage by the religious zealots.
· Then, hold down the Shift key and move the cursor to the end of the block you want selected.· Teachers frequently believe it is the parents who hold the key and that they should do more to help.· Jennifer Smith holds the key to the 1996 election, so it is as well to get to know her.· Privatization could hold the key to upgrading the infrastructure.· Zoom Control Move mouse over the molecule, hold Shift key, click and hold mouse button and drag.· Some threatened species have special qualities or abilities and may hold the key to undiscovered benefits.· That second paradox, I believe, holds the key to the mysteries that still envelop the new regime.· It was a great exit, but I should have held on to the keys.
· Newcastle held their annual general meeting last night behind closed doors.· It involves presentations to staff and parents, setting up exhibitions and holding meetings with key staff members.· In the absence of conclusive consensus, it was agreed to hold a further meeting in Madrid in April 1991.· We also hold regular meetings of volunteers to discuss issues of concern and encourage one another.· Management is holding a series of meetings with workers today.· If this were the case it would explain why they had not held meetings on this occasion.· Schools should also hold meetings for prospective parents.· The only optimistic statement came from the third cadre of military transport, which had recently held two cell meetings.
· High priority is given to any of their senior members who have held ministerial office.· He stated that the civil service had been opened to people of all parties who were qualified to hold office.· During the reign of John, Hugh de Neville held that office.· A citizen should play an active part.-He might hold a local office.· Other peers who hold or have held high judicial office may sit but rarely do so.· Nor did it stipulate how long the incumbent would hold office until fresh elections produced a successful candidate.· After the Restoration he was one of those not actually attainted but perpetually disabled from holding any office.· A Director so appointed shall hold office only until the next following annual general meeting.
· In both cases Black might still be able to hold the position.· Mayers has been with the company for 10 years and has held several positions.· He has also held the position of factory manager.· Paul, and has held other executive positions in the Twin Cities and Grand Forks area.· These teachers exerted considerable influence within the school, because they held positions as heads of departments or as year heads.· Still, the region holds a respectable position in the information-heavy world.· Even if you hold some position of great authority, you don't have to be solemn all the time.· I had advanced through the ranks and held a responsible middle-management position.
· That did not make him a great writer, nor did that fact prevent his holding an important literary post.· House Republican Conference rules prohibit a censured lawmaker from being a committee chairman or holding a leadership post.· She held the post till her retirement thirty years later.· Two of the ministers particularly distinguished themselves by holding the post for a six-month period.· He held the post until November 1922 - the longest period for which a Weimar Chancellor had yet survived.· Zlatoper has held several Pentagon posts, including military assistant to the secretary of defense from 1983 to 1985.· He had held the post only since January.· The proportion of women who hold senior political posts remains low.
· So too the yawning depths of the wave, even while threatening annihilation, hold out the promise of rebirth.· Frustration of my plans to lighten the disaster will convince people that the future holds no promise to them.· Clark's work clearly holds promise of a new class of antimalarials, even though there is much still to be done.· State access Smart communities hold a lot of promise for state officials.· For the moment Christmas on the slopes holds little promise.· It is an experience that holds out promise of perfection.· The report presents a strong case for continuing work on gasification although south south cooperation would seem to hold most promise.· Economic advance still holds little promise of betterment for the average man in many countries.
· The situation is modified when records are stored in buckets holding several records, but synonyms still occur.· Brian Treggs holds the record with 167 career receptions.· They also hold the League's record score a 21-0 win over North Skelton Rovers in 1895.· And it came from a famous maker: another Farman, a Goliath, had held the endurance record in 1921.· How long should I hold on to records?· Before that, Microsoft Corp. held the record of 47. 93 million shares traded, on June 6, 1994.· Finance holds income and expenditure records, together with annual accounts, departmental expenditure records, and an Asset Register.· It held the box-office record until Gone with the wind moved more tickets in 1939 and 1940.
· We should not go so far as to hold a referendum, but the people must have the final say.· If it is approved, 30-day period opens for anyone wishing to hold a referendum drive to overturn the deal.· On the subject of the draft union treaty, Gorbachev introduced the idea of holding a referendum on it throughout the country.· Moldavia refused to hold the referendum on the grounds that it would worsen ethnic tensions in the republic.· Why hold a referendum, when no one could challenge the imposition of his will?· It has prompted President De Klerk to hold a referendum to guage white support on ending apartheid.· June 25: Moldavia's President Snegur announced that the republic would hold a referendum on independence in the autumn.· In 1992 western governments had allowed Bosnia to hold a referendum and become an independent state.
· In fact, if that result were repeated we would hold all our 28 seats and gain four more from Labour.· The group of smaller Catholic parties allied with Berlusconi hold 34 seats.· For the moment, Mr Rocard is probably just praying that he can hold on to his seat in the Yvelines.· I leaned forward, holding on to the seat in front of me.· I was floating, held by my seat belt.· Allen Hightower, a Democrat who has held his seat since 1983.· He was returned for Aldershot in 1970 and held the seat until 1997, when he did not seek re-election.· Republicans, at the moment, hold 41 seats while Democrats have 37.
· I used to hold a similar view.· The percentage of voters who hold a favorable view of Gramm has declined from 54 percent in 1990 to 41 percent.· Freud, however, did not hold this view and hoped to find the true root of his patients' hysteria.· One who held to this view was Lord Kelvin himself.· There is a further complication in that individuals hold views about health at a variety of different levels of analysis.· That was not a widely held view when Republicans arrived here a week ago.· The economic conditions of the 19705 do not lead to optimism if one continues to hold this view.· At the end of his first six months in office, 45 percent of Texans surveyed held a negative view of Clinton.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► hold something over somebody► hold somebody to something► hold somebody to something► hold something ↔ up► hold somebody/something ↔ up► hold up something► hold (your) fire► can hold your drink/liquor/alcohol etc► hold something/somebody dear► hold that thought► hold somebody ↔ off► hold out somethingPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► hold the aces► hold something at arm’s length► cop hold of something► hold/hang on for/like grim death► have/hold something in your hot little hand► wait a minute/just a minute/hold on a minute/hang on a minute► extend/offer/hold out etc an olive branch (to somebody)► hold somebody for ransom► get (hold of) the wrong end of the stick► have a sure hold/footing
- He was held not liable as there was a real and imminent danger and he had done what was reasonably necessary.
- I hold the police responsible for my son's death Voice over Police denied any knowledge of who was on the bike.
- In the past, juries have usually sided with the industry, holding smokers liable for the damage they inflict on themselves.
- Please, however, do not think that I hold you responsible, in any way, for my own uncertainty.
- She would have been held personally responsible and would almost certainly have fallen from office.
- The jury that held Simpson liable consisted of six men and six women, ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-70s.
- Then he told Hepzibah he'd hold her responsible!
- You can not learn team performance without being part of a team that holds itself mutually accountable for achieving specific performance goals.
- A record dated 1665 shows that at that time the archery contests were held over 4 days.
- A White House compilation of the events shows 70 coffees were held over 18 months.
- Accepting the logic of this situation the matter was held over for further review at a later Department Head meeting.
- I have recently returned from a Polaris orienteering competition, which was held over two days in Exmoor.
- More random checks are to be held over the next few weeks.
- One of the finest Brooklands races, the June 1914 Aeroplane Handicap, was held over a nine mile course.
- Or, given the complexities of the issue and the importance, the suit could be held over for a full-blown review.
- The dates are held over email, and women reveal their most intimate desires over the phones.
- Although he did not hold with lies, there were occasions when they were the best option.
- As a baby she may have had a hard time holding her head up, for example.
- Her own cheeks had gone pale; her lids drooped over her eyes; she held her head up in her hand.
- How else could a girl hold her head up in her family?
- However, Linfield can hold their heads up high.
- Just holding my head up like that.
- It stinks so bad you have to hold your breath until you come out.
- Patrice held her breath, waiting for Lettie's reply.
- Rachel held her breath as she waited for his answer.
- The art world will be holding its breath to see how much these paintings sell for at auction.
- An anxious nation holds its breath.
- Benjy rang the doorbell, then held his breath, waiting.
- He discovered that he was holding his breath, and gulped for air.
- It gave her the feeling that the whole world was holding its breath.
- She held her breath on another quick dart of guilt.
- We held our breaths, covering our nostrils and mouths with our hands.
- Wall Street is not holding its breath waiting for a new deal.
- And he is bound to hold his own.
- Chaparral and forests resisted the invasion, and in some places they have held their own even against fire and development.
- He and his government colleagues were confident they could hold their own against the mujahedin.
- In many areas, Whigs clearly continued to hold their own amongst the squirearchy.
- Sharpe was holding his own sword low beside his stirrup, almost as if he could not be bothered to fight.
- Then, holding her own breath and moving stealthily on tiptoe, she began to ease her way towards the exit.
- Well and nobly did... his gallant troops hold their own...
- You hold your own life together.
- Dry herbs don't hold a candle to fresh ones.
- The difference is that you were left holding the baby.
- Then he does something stupid with a television researcher and is left holding the baby.
- The old communist party still holds sway in many rural areas.
- This all happened long ago, when priests held sway over the majority of the Irish people.
- His reputedly Herculean virility long remained a byword throughout the district over which he held sway.
- It's a place for Comici's drop-of-water philosophy to hold sway.
- Nearly 10 years later, she still holds sway on Wall Street.
- Suddenly new possibilities are springing to life where previously deadlock and despair held sway.
- That is why we feel justified in saying that Realism has held sway for the last forty years.
- That romantic notion held sway over me, and probably delayed my perception of Clarisa as some one with a medical problem.
- The Marsh End at that time had at least two moles who held sway in their different ways over moles of their generation.
- This of course benefits the income of the less expensive factor of production, as is inevitable when capital holds sway.
- Artists who have arrived at that position are expected to sit still and hold court.
- Baseball raconteur Bill Rigney is holding court at a window table.
- For hour after hour, without a break, clearly relishing the attention, Kevorkian holds court.
- I am holding court, lady of the mansion.
- In one corner, the Grand Duchess held court; in another, her husband, as befitted the challenger.
- Instead, he could hold court for his many buyers in his studio garage.
- Ken Bradshaw was holding court among a handful of Waimea veterans.
- Somewhere in the smoky crowd the authoress and photographer, Jill Freedman from New York, was holding court.
- Chastised, Elder Brother held his tongue, turning to look at Jinju as if to seek her support.
- If he was a count he would be doubly arrogant and she would not be able to hold her tongue.
- Jim was struggling to hold his tongue when Carole knocked on his door and walked in.
- Learn to hold your tongue, Mistress Philippa, else grief will come of it.
- Out of sheer curiosity I held my tongue, and waited.
- She tried to talk him into letting her go, but he ordered her sharply to hold her tongue.
- Stella was forced to hold her tongue when Dotty or Babs Osborne spoke slightingly of Meredith.
- You have to avoid being Nellie-know-all and hold your tongue to allow a younger generation to enjoy the fun of discovery.
- In areas such as research, larger well-financed firms hold all the cards.
- It seemed that he held all the cards and that there was nothing she could do but say 'yes'.
- Politically, the logging industry holds all the cards.
- But it just seemed that he held all the cards, he made all the decisions.
- He held all the cards and it would be an upset if he lost.
- Men still held all the cards.
- Nowhere else does the evolutionary battle take place in an arena where, in effect, one player holds all the cards.
- Ross did hold all the cards, she acknowledged bitterly.
- Bush urged the party to hold fast to its traditions.
- But ever since the day when she had faced her own fears she had held fast to her principles.
- Difficult to hold fast to time.
- He kept his head, how-ever, and held fast to his golden apples.
- I am like a shipwrecked survivor holding fast to the debris, awaiting the arrival of the scheduled liner.
- If the Court holds fast to its abnegation of this traditional role, it could mark a sea change in federal-state relations.
- Jeffries was trying to cut him to ribbons; and here was Gordon trying to hold fast to Jeffries' coattails.
- Mr Buie held fast to his ground.
- She tried to struggle, but she was held fast.
- Aileen knew how to hold a conversation with twelve people and work hard at the same time.
- He just wouldn't hold a conversation with him.
- If you can not hold a conversation with some one without getting out of breath then you are going too fast.
- If you tried at all to hold a conversation with her, you found she was almost impossible to understand.
- In any case, she couldn't have held a conversation there.
- She's getting better at speech now, and hold a conversation, but she doesn't understand some things.
- This involved being around, or hanging around, just watching, recording, holding conversations.
- What she did increasingly was to hold conversations with ha father from which Cara was carefully and deliberately excluded.
- The three of you will be holding the fort in the kitchen tonight.
- Filling the breach, holding the fort, and that kind of thing.
- It was Major Herriott's turn to get out of the office, having held the fort whilst his leader had been away.
- Junior Bryant has to hold the fort.
- Just the three of you going to be holding the fort tonight.
- The evening was to take place as planned and Faith would hold the fort at Oaklands.
- You got us into this, was my uncharitable thought, now you hold the fort while we climb out of it.
- But this time Carlos Sainz, who had held the lead since Tuesday, came third in a Toyota.
- In race one, Hodgson was able to get a better run through the backmarkers and hold the lead to the line.
- New Zealand held the lead for long periods and their frequent advantages depended on the only try of the match.
- She held the lead and quietly plodded upward through the crisp snow that covered the long Baskan Glacier.
- She held the lead in her gloved hands; behind her was Selene, with hers protected by a muff.
- For Casey, there was no holding back when it came to music.
- His account of events simply doesn't hold water.
- It may seem logical, but his argument doesn't hold water.
- But there are times when this theory just does not hold water.
- This argument just does not hold water.
- Lucker has difficulty holding the road.
- I had to eat with one hand and hold the hair back with the other-it was so fiddly.
- Its plush vegetation crowded the restraining fence that had been made strong, damned near impregnable, to hold it back.
- No walls, no fences, nothing to hold him back.
- Suddenly she holds some back as if still determined to drive the hardest possible bargain.
- That wildfire feeling might have got a hold a month back, but it would not be allowed to do so again.
- The whistle postponed it, held it back until announcing the morning shift at six.
- His wife had to hold him back.
- I had to eat with one hand and hold the hair back with the other-it was so fiddly.
- Its plush vegetation crowded the restraining fence that had been made strong, damned near impregnable, to hold it back.
- No walls, no fences, nothing to hold him back.
- Suddenly she holds some back as if still determined to drive the hardest possible bargain.
- That wildfire feeling might have got a hold a month back, but it would not be allowed to do so again.
- His wife had to hold him back.
- I had to eat with one hand and hold the hair back with the other-it was so fiddly.
- Its plush vegetation crowded the restraining fence that had been made strong, damned near impregnable, to hold it back.
- No walls, no fences, nothing to hold him back.
- Suddenly she holds some back as if still determined to drive the hardest possible bargain.
- That wildfire feeling might have got a hold a month back, but it would not be allowed to do so again.
- The whistle postponed it, held it back until announcing the morning shift at six.
- His wife had to hold him back.
- I had to eat with one hand and hold the hair back with the other-it was so fiddly.
- No walls, no fences, nothing to hold him back.
- Suddenly she holds some back as if still determined to drive the hardest possible bargain.
- That wildfire feeling might have got a hold a month back, but it would not be allowed to do so again.
- The whistle postponed it, held it back until announcing the morning shift at six.
- His wife had to hold him back.
- Its plush vegetation crowded the restraining fence that had been made strong, damned near impregnable, to hold it back.
- Suddenly she holds some back as if still determined to drive the hardest possible bargain.
- That wildfire feeling might have got a hold a month back, but it would not be allowed to do so again.
- The whistle postponed it, held it back until announcing the morning shift at six.
- Clarke holds down two jobs to support his family.
- Kelly wants to prove to his father that he can hold down a job.
- But if you are schizophrenic, you can not think straight, concentrate, hold down a job.
- During the day they held down jobs as, respectively, a waitress and delivery driver.
- Frye was expounding on the dangers of holding down a job while taking a full load of courses.
- People with long-term mental disorder have many problems in holding down a job.
- Rella could hold down jobs, when she wanted to.
- Who would employ her and how would she hold down a job?
- Economic policies kept the Soviet Union and Japan at arm's length during the Cold War.
- Sandbags kept the floodwaters at bay.
- The government hopes to keep inflation at bay.
- All in all, the eatery is a breakfast bargain, with enough different components to keep boredom at bay.
- Another technique for keeping performance anxiety at bay is the group sing-along.
- Brown has kept the tumult at bay.
- Concentrating on Emma would help to keep her worries at bay for a little while.
- He was gritting his teeth against the pain, keeping it at bay while he studied the stump, the severed hand.
- My voice holds them at bay.
- She holds the adventurers at bay by holding the scroll over a candle flame and threatening to destroy it.
- Two green glazed lions guarded the gates to keep evil spirits at bay.
- If you're waiting for the Cubs to win the series, don't hold your breath.
- Basketball stars today can't hold a candle to Michael Jordan.
- The court heard that the general was unable to keep his troops in check.
- The disease is held in check by weekly injections of a power drug.
- A small bag of zeolite was used for three days, every two weeks to keep ammonia in check.
- But it was rookie Coach Ray Rhodes who gets the most credit for keeping the team in check.
- Churn makes it harder for charities to raise money, keeps real-estate prices in check and politics volatile.
- His own temper rose, but he held it in check.
- In one important area the Navy held its ambitions in check for bargaining reasons within the Whitehall market-place.
- Mulch plants each spring with straw to conserve moisture and keep weeds in check.
- What is new is that the controls which held this population in check no longer exist.
- The days when he held court at the hotel's supper club seem far away now.
- Artists who have arrived at that position are expected to sit still and hold court.
- Baseball raconteur Bill Rigney is holding court at a window table.
- For hour after hour, without a break, clearly relishing the attention, Kevorkian holds court.
- I am holding court, lady of the mansion.
- Instead, he could hold court for his many buyers in his studio garage.
- Ken Bradshaw was holding court among a handful of Waimea veterans.
- Somewhere in the smoky crowd the authoress and photographer, Jill Freedman from New York, was holding court.
- Everything I held dear was destroyed in the war.
- It helped them keep their end up in battle, too, claim historians.
- It is difficult to get skips in this age group capable of keeping their end up at this level of competition.
- Richter kept his end up by arranging a press visit to Huemul Island on 21 June, 1951.
- A character who is held fast can not move or fight, and is treated as prone.
- Balor was struggling and writhing, but his limbs were held fast and only his thick, shapeless body could move.
- Persephone sprang into her arms and was held fast there.
- She tried to pull her hand free, but it was held fast.
- She tried to struggle, but she was held fast.
- Although momentarily tempted by the seductively rich chocolate dessert Sabrina's willpower held firm and she gave it to Graham.
- Another went to a selectman for standing firm.
- But de Gaulle held firm because he knew that time was working in his favour.
- C., held firm, since the federal government kept hiring more and more bureaucrats.
- He stands firm on his convictions.
- Last week the closely held firm announced it had sold $ 17. 25 million worth of limited partnership interests.
- Mr Scargill urged the miners to prepare for battle: they must stand firm over their wage claim.
- They need to describe initially what issues they want to stand firm on and what issues they can give way to.
- As darkness gains a firmer grip the songbirds fade and the owls start.
- As soon as one does so, its lips close around it, giving it a firm hold.
- But at current levels the shares are a firm hold.
- Choose a firm hold variant which will keep your style in place during winder weather and light drizzle.
- Clumps of sturdy weed grew wherever they could take a firm hold.
- I keep a firm grip on my hat and stare into the blustery abyss.
- It's safe but you need to have a firm grip to cut a 13-amp flex.
- Usually this happens because the task is too broadly stated to get a firm grasp on it.
- As his father approached, Richard retreated steadily, never once daring to stand his ground against him.
- I calculate, I stand my ground.
- Not enough to start a war; just enough to let me stand my ground without having to think about it first.
- Richmann stood his ground, certain he would be able to jump out of the. way if things went wrong.
- The guide, however, stood his ground, frantically giving me unrecognizable signs.
- The Housing Executive stood its ground and refused to transfer money earmarked for other projects.
- Williams' job was to hold his ground or drop into pass coverage.
- You know when to stand your ground and when to give in.
- He might as well have put a gun to my head.
- He had held up his head in the most exalted company.
- How does he hold up his head if he knows his wife is deceiving him?
- Sometimes the girl did not leave hold of her swing, and the act failed.
- He made a choking noise, and Marco loosened his grip fractionally.
- I felt a shock charge through my hand and could not loosen my grip.
- Instead, he waited until the first fierce flood of tears had passed, then loosened his grip on her a little.
- It was on a block where he encountered three soldiers that he began to loosen his hold on the sequence.
- Richard first noticed me from across the street as he loosened his grip on the lamppost.
- The woman jabbed her cigarette into the man's face and he loosened his grip.
- When I loosened my grip on him he tried to run back toward Clarisa, stumbling and crawling.
- When there is none, he loosens his grip and turns away.
- She's got the whole committee in the palm of her hand.
- And since the credit accrued to him, he held his peace.
- But Kate knew when enough was enough so she kept her peace.
- But she held her peace and waited for the miracle.
- Colonel Fergusson nodded indulgently at such pertness and obstinacy, but held his peace.
- Gorbachev, like any husband in his circumstances, kept his peace.
- No, better to hold her peace and pretend.
- So I decide to hold my peace for a little while longer.
- Why did he want to hold his peace?
- The president said that the company would not be held to ransom by strikes.
- What gives cheaper fuel campaigners the right to hold the country to ransom?
- By his behaviour Yeltsin has held Clinton to ransom.
- It attacks the foundations of a free society, encouraging those with industrial or commercial muscle to hold others to ransom.
- The countries that control it will be able to hold their clients to ransom.
- The idea of one global power holding the other to ransom seems less credible now than it has done previously.
- They could buy out national debts, hold governments to ransom, close down whole economies if they wanted to.
- What's outrageous is that one powerful and greedy bully, followed by its lackeys, can hold the world to ransom.
- Without some such law the rich could hold the poor to ransom.
- But attitudes of this kind took time to gain the upper hand: the past relaxed its grip only slowly.
- He relaxed his grip on the mug, rolled his sleeves down, pushed his chair back.
- Never for one moment does this shimmering, simmering emotional desert storm of a film relax its grip on your senses.
- The pilots cautiously relaxed their grip and let their muscles slacken.
- Then with excruciating slowness he relaxed his hold, allowing her to back away a pace.
- Weeping with merriment, gleeful through and through, she never relaxed her grip.
- When he tries to say something I relax my grip.
- As a small boy, I devised my own set of cartoon animals, and they now stood me in good stead.
- But her beloved circus may have served her in better stead than regular outings to, say, the ballet.
- Despite his lack of political experience, Clouthier's 20-year leadership of business organisations stood him in good stead.
- Insomnia would stand him in good stead in this expanse of knee-high cover.
- Now we had moved on to bigger and better things, this predictability still stood us in good stead.
- These shoes had stood him in good stead.
- This habit of work, which is by now natural to me, has stood me in good stead.
- Those contacts, he says, still serve him in good stead today.
- The new business manager has a tight hold on the budget.
- Apple, however, kept a tight grip on its technology and suffered the consequences.
- Dominic crept carefully down the stairs, keeping a tight hold on the gleaming mahogany banister.
- He had a tight hold on the audience, totally in command of his band.
- It should not be imagined that the tiny Party élite at either of these provincial levels could maintain a tight hold.
- She would be keeping a tight hold on her feelings from now on.
- The best way for the government to achieve this is to keep a tight grip on the tigerish tendencies of the economy.
- The purge reflects the party leadership's concern with keeping a tight hold on the political reins.
- We got up, he pushed me roughly towards the door, keeping a tight hold of me.
- He tightened his grip on the sub-machine-gun, waited for the helicopter to slow and swing towards him.
- His arm shook and he tightened his grip on the stock of the rifle to still it.
- However, planning permission is required, and legislation is tightening its grip on mast sites.
- It was only when they tensed, curling and tightening their grip on the floor, did he realise they were alive.
- Oats tightened his grip on the axe.
- The suspended despair inside her splintered into a shuddering sob and Fernando tightened his hold on her.
- There were months of interrogations, torture and repression as the military tightened its grip on the country.
- They tightened their grip on the girl.
- But it does lead inevitably to ignorance, for you can not understand what you deliberately chose to have no truck with.
- Its radicals, who dominate the leadership, want no truck with Mr Gorbachev.
- Then the people who get penalised are the majority who want no truck with him.
- We in the Conservative Party have no truck with that style of gutter journalism which we were forced to endure last Sunday.
WORD FAMILYnounholdholderholdingverbhold
1
in your hand/arms a)[transitive] to have something in your hand, hands, or arms: Could you hold my bag for me?hold something in your hand/arms He was holding a knife in one hand. I held the baby in my arms.hold hands (=hold each other’s hands) They sat holding hands under a tree.hold somebody close/tightly (=with your arms around someone) Max held her close and wiped away her tears. b)[transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move your hand or something in your hand in a particular directionhold something out/up etc He held out his hand to help her to her feet. Hold the picture up so we can see it.2event [transitive] to have a meeting, party, election etc in a particular place or at a particular time: This year’s conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel. A thanksgiving ceremony was held to mark the occasion. The funeral was held on a grey day in November. In April, the president held talks with Chinese leaders.3keep something in position [transitive] to make something stay in a particular positionhold something open/up etc We used rolled-up newspapers to hold the windows open. Remember to hold your head up and keep your back straight.hold something in place/position A couple of screws should hold it in place. Lift your head off the floor and hold this position for five seconds.4job/title [transitive] a)to have a particular job or position, especially an important one: Do you really think he’s capable of holding such a responsible position?hold the post/position/office etc (of something) She was the first woman to hold the office of Australian state premier. The governor had held the post since 1989. Whoever is elected will hold office (=have an important political position) for four years. b)to have a particular title or record, because you have won a competition, are the best at something etc: The programme still holds the record for the longest running TV series. The last Briton to hold the title was Bert Nicholson.5keep/store [transitive] to keep something to be used when it is needed: Further copies of the book are held in the library. Weapons were held at various sites.6keep something available for somebody [transitive] to agree not to give something such as a ticket, a place at a restaurant, a job etc to anyone except a particular person: We can hold the reservation for you until next Friday.hold something open You can’t expect them to hold the job open for much longer – you’ll have to decide whether you want it or not.7keep somebody somewhere [transitive] to keep someone somewhere, and not allow them to leave: Police are holding two men in connection with the robbery.hold somebody prisoner/hostage/captive A senior army officer was held hostage for four months.hold somebody incommunicado (=keep someone somewhere and not allow them to communicate with anyone)8opinion [transitive not in progressive] to have a particular opinion or belief: Experts hold varying opinions as to the causes of the disease.be widely/generally/commonly held (=be the opinion of a lot of people) This view is not widely held.be held to be something She was held to be one of the most talented actors of her time.hold that The judge held that the child’s interests in this case must come first.9hold somebody responsible/accountable/liable (for something) to say or decide that someone should accept the responsibility for something bad that happens: If anything happens to her, I’ll hold you personally responsible. He may have had a terrible childhood, but he should still be held accountable for his own actions.10own something [transitive] to officially own or possess money, a document, a company etc: He holds shares in ICI. Do you hold a valid passport? a privately-held company► see thesaurus at own11contain a particular amount [transitive not in progressive] to have the space to contain a particular amount of something: The movie theater holds 500 people. The tank should hold enough to last us a few days.12support [intransitive, transitive] to be strong enough to support the weight of something or someone: Careful! I’m not sure that branch will hold you. The bridge didn’t look as though it would hold.13stay at same level [intransitive, transitive] to stay at a particular amount, level, or rate, or to make something do this: The bank is holding interest rates at 4%. Since then, the pound has held steady against the dollar.hold somebody’s interest/attention (=make someone stay interested) Colourful pictures help hold the students’ interest.14not change [intransitive] to continue to be true, good, available etc: What I said yesterday holds. Does your invitation still hold?hold true/good Twenty years on, his advice still holds good.weather/luck holds (out) (=continues to be good) If our luck holds, we could reach the final.15stop/delay [transitive] spoken used in particular phrases to tell someone to wait or not to do something: I’ll have a tuna fish sandwich please – and hold the mayo (=do not give me any).hold it! Hold it! We’re not quite ready.hold your horses! (=used to tell someone to do something more slowly or carefully)16hold your head up (also hold your head high) to behave as if you are proud of yourself or respect yourself: They may have lost the game, but I still think they’ve earned the right to hold their heads high today.17hold your breath a)to deliberately not breathe out for a short time: Hold your breath and count to ten. b)to not breathe out and try not to make a sound because you do not want to be noticed: Julie shrank back against the wall and held her breath. c)not hold your breath spoken used to say that you do not expect something to happen, even though someone has said it will: He promised he’d phone, but I’m not holding my breath.18hold (your) fire a)to not shoot at someone when you were going to b)to not criticize, attack, or oppose someone when you were going to: The president urged his party to hold fire on the issue a few days longer.19telephone [intransitive] (also hold the line) spoken to wait until the person you have telephoned is ready to answer: Mr Stevens is busy at the moment – would you like to hold? Please hold the line while I transfer you.20army [transitive] if an army holds a place, it controls it or defends it from attack: The French army held the town for three days.21musical note [transitive] to make a musical note continue for a particular length of time22future [transitive] formal if the future holds something, that is what may happen: Thousands of workers are waiting to see what the future holds.23have a quality [transitive] formal to have a particular qualityhold (little) interest/appeal/promise etc Many church services hold little appeal for modern tastes.24hold your own (against somebody) to successfully defend yourself or succeed in a difficult situation, competition etc: He was a good enough player to hold his own against the Americans.25not hold a candle to somebody/something to be much worse than someone or something else26 be left holding the baby British English, be left holding the bag American English to be left as the only person responsible for dealing with a difficult situation, especially something someone else started: He was left holding the financial baby when his musical partner joined another band.27hold sway to have a lot of influence or power: Among people here, traditional values still hold sway.28hold court to get the attention of everyone while you are talking, especially when you are trying to entertain people: Joey would walk into the bar and hold court all night.29hold your tongue spoken used to tell someone to stop talking or to not tell someone about something: I reckon you’ve just got to learn to hold your tongue.30hold all the cards to have all the advantages in a situation in which people are competing or arguing: ‘There’s not much we can do. They seem to hold all the cards,’ said Dan gloomily.31hold fast (to something) to keep believing strongly in something32hold a conversation to have a conversation33hold the fort to be responsible for something while the person usually responsible for it is not there: She’s holding the fort while the manager’s on holiday.34hold the lead/advantage to be winning in a competition, game etc: Celtic held the lead in the first half.35there’s no holding somebody (back) spoken used to say that someone is so determined to do something that you cannot prevent them from doing it36can hold your drink/liquor/alcohol etc to be able to drink a lot of alcohol without getting drunk or ill37not hold water if an excuse, a statement etc does not hold water, it does not seem to be true or reasonable38hold something/somebody dear formal to care about something or someone a lot: We were facing the loss of everything we held dear.39hold the road if a car holds the road well, you can drive it quickly around bends without losing control40hold that thought spoken used to tell someone to remember what has just been said and then continue discussing it or thinking about it later → hold a course at course1(8)THESAURUShold to have something in your hand, hands, or arms: · Maria came in holding a letter.· Can I hold the baby?grip to hold something very tightly and not let it go: · He gripped her arm so she couldn’t walk away.· Jenny gripped the side of the boat to steady herself.clutch to hold something tightly, especially because you do not want to drop or lose it: · A businessman hurried past, clutching his briefcase.· The little girl clutched onto his hand.clasp written to hold someone or something tightly, closing your fingers or arms around them: · She was clasping a bunch of small summer flowers.· He clasped her in his arms and kissed her.get/take hold of something to take something in your hand or hands and hold it: · I took hold of the handle and pulled as hard as I could.· Quickly – try and get hold of that frog!grasp written to take hold of something firmly, especially in a determined way: · She grasped the lowest branch and pulled herself up into the tree.grab to take hold of something suddenly and often violently: · He grabbed my bag and ran off with it.· The other man grabbed hold of (=suddenly took hold of) my arms and threatened me with a knife.seize /siːz/ written to take hold of something suddenly and often violently: · A police officer ran after him and seized the gun.hang on (to something) to hold on to something or someone tightly to support yourself: · He hung on to the rail at the back of the motorbike.· Hang on tight!keep hold of something to continue to hold something: · Greg was struggling to keep hold of the dog.· She tried to take her hand away but he kept hold of it.hold something against somebody phrasal verb to continue to dislike someone or not forgive them because of something bad they have done in the past: You can’t still hold that against him, surely?hold back phrasal verb1hold somebody/something ↔ back to make someone or something stop moving forward: Police in riot gear held back the demonstrators.2hold something ↔ back to stop yourself from feeling or showing a particular emotion: She struggled to hold back her tears. Anger flooded through her. She couldn’t hold it back.3hold somebody/something ↔ back to prevent someone or something from making progress: They felt the British economy was being held back by excessive government controls.4hold (somebody) back to be unwilling to do something, especially because you are being careful, or to make someone unwilling to do something: In the current situation many investors are holding back. She wanted to tell him but pride held her back.5hold something ↔ back to keep something secret: Tell me all about it – don’t hold anything back!hold somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb1to make someone or something stay on something, and stop them from moving away or escaping: We had to hold the tent down with rocks to stop it blowing away. It took three strong men to hold him down.2to prevent the level of something such as prices from rising: We will aim to hold down prices.3 hold down a job to succeed in keeping a job for a period of time: He’s never held down a job for longer than a few weeks.4to keep people under control or limit their freedom: The people were held down for centuries by their conquerors.hold forth phrasal verb to give your opinion on a subject, especially for a long timehold forth on The speaker was holding forth on the collapse of modern society.hold off phrasal verb1to delay doing something: Buyers have been holding off until the price falls.hold off (on) doing something Hold off making your decision until Monday.2hold somebody ↔ off a)to prevent someone who is trying to attack or defeat you from succeeding: Not even a gun could hold him off forever. b)to prevent someone from coming towards you or succeeding in speaking to you: There’s already a crowd of reporters outside – I’ll try to hold them off for a while.3if rain or bad weather holds off, it does not start, although it looked as if it would: The rain held off until after the game.hold on phrasal verb1spoken a)to wait for a short time: Hold on, I’ll just get my coat. b)used when you have just noticed, heard, or remembered something interesting or wrong: Hold on a minute! Isn’t that your brother’s car over there? c)used to ask someone on the telephone to wait until the person they want to talk to is available: Can you hold on? I’ll try to find her.2to have your hands or arms tightly around something: Hold on tight!hold on to Hold on to my arm.3to continue doing something that is very difficult to do: San Francisco held on to win 4–2.hold on to somebody/something phrasal verb to keep something rather than losing it, selling it, or giving it to someone else: The soldiers held on to the bridge for three more days. I think I’ll hold on to these old records for now.hold out phrasal verb1 hold out something to think or say that something is possible or likely to happen, especially something goodnot hold out much hope/hold out little hope Negotiators aren’t holding out much hope of a peaceful settlement.hold out the prospect/promise of something alternative methods which hold out the promise of improved health2if a supply of something holds out, there is still some left: Water supplies won’t hold out much longer.3to continue to successfully defend a place that is being attacked: The rebels held out for another night but then fresh forces arrived.4to try to prevent yourself from doing something that someone is trying to force you to dohold out against I didn’t know how much longer I could hold out against their relentless questioning.hold out for something phrasal verb to not accept anything less than you have asked for: Transport workers are holding out for a 20% pay rise.hold out on somebody phrasal verb informal to not tell someone about something important: She must have been holding out on him all these years.hold something over phrasal verb1 formal to do or deal with something at a later time: The matter was held over for further review.GRAMMAR Hold over is usually passive in this meaning. → holdover2 hold something over somebody to use something bad that you know about someone to make them do what you want: He knows I’ve been in prison and is holding it over me.3be held over especially American English if a play, film, concert etc is held over, it is shown for longer than planned because it is very popularhold to something phrasal verb1if you hold to a belief, principle, promise etc, you believe it or behave according to it: He admitted he did not hold to the traditional view of God.2 hold somebody to something to make someone do what they have promised: ‘I’ll ask him tomorrow.’ ‘OK, but I’m going to hold you to that.’3hold somebody to something British English to prevent your opponent in a sports game from getting more than a particular number of points: Norway held Holland to a 2–2 draw.hold together phrasal verb1if a group or an organization holds together, or if something holds it together, it stays strong and does not separate into different parts or groups: Against all expectations, the coalition held together well.hold something ↔ together In those days the church held the community together.2to remain whole and good enough to use, or to make something do this: Incredibly, the raft held together till we reached the opposite shore.hold something ↔ together I wondered how the structure was held together.hold up phrasal verb1 hold something ↔ up to support something and prevent it from falling down: The roof is held up by massive stone pillars.2 hold somebody/something ↔ up to delay someone or something: Sorry I’m late – I was held up at work.GRAMMAR Hold up is often passive in this meaning.3hold up something to rob or try to rob a place or person by using violence: Two armed men held up a downtown liquor store last night. → hold-up4to not become weaker: His physical condition has held up well.hold somebody/something up as something phrasal verb to use someone or something as a good example or as proof of something: The school is held up as a model for others. This incident will be held up as proof that tougher controls are needed.hold with something phrasal verb not hold with something British English used to say that someone does not approve of something: He says he doesn’t hold with all this politically correct stuff.not hold with doing something I don’t hold with hitting children in any circumstances.hold1 verbhold2 noun
holdhold2 ●●● S2 W3 noun WORD ORIGINhold2
Origin:
1-9, 11 ➔ HOLD110 holeEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- I tightened my hold on the child as we crossed the busy road.
- In this form of wrestling there are a number of different holds, each used in a different situation.
- Kara tightened her hold on the bat.
- My mother relaxed, and loosened her hold on my hand.
- Prevost asked me if I still had hold of my camera.
- The cliff is steep and it's difficult to find a hold.
- Analysts say the company has a potential to become extremely profitable if the technology takes hold.
- And I think I just might try to get hold of Mark.
- Bowman caught hold of the short lever fastened to the valve and with his last strength pulled it down.
- But when you get hold of the document and look at the detail you're in for a nasty surprise.
- Here was a gravity you could argue with; here was a horizon close enough to reach out and grasp hold of.
- It was a bit late for that, since the press had got hold of the story anyway.
- The wine Adrienne had kept passing to her was taking hold of an empty stomach.
Longman Language Activatorto have something in your hand
· I held the money tightly in my hand.· In the photograph there was a small boy holding a flag.· A smiling woman holding a can of beer came over to us.hold something up/hold up something (=hold something high in the air) · What a lovely picture! Hold it up so everyone can see it.hold something out/hold out something (=hold something towards someone, especially to offer it to them) · I took a glass of champagne from the tray the waiter held out.
if something is in your hand , you are holding it: · What's that in your hand?· He arrived at the door with an enormous bouquet of flowers in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other.in each hand: · Theo walked across the yard with a pail in each hand.
to hold something tightly to put your hand around something and hold it tightly, in order to stop yourself from falling or from losing what you are holding: · We're coming up to a bumpy bit - you'd better hold on!· Just hang on as best you can and I'll try and get some help.hold/hang on to something: · Mother's not strong. She can't walk without holding on to someone's arm.· People stood hanging on to the overhead straps of the swaying subway car.hold on tight: · As the roller coaster turned upside down I shut my eyes and held on tight.· He inched across the roof, hanging on as best he could.
to hold something tightly, by pressing your fingers very hard against it: · David suddenly gripped my arm and pulled me away from the road.· His knuckles whitened as he gripped the microphone.· She found his hand and gripped it tightly.
to hold something tightly, closing your fingers around it: · "Ah!'' he cried, clutching his stomach.· A group of tourists stood clutching their phrase books.· A little girl stood clasping her mother's hand.· Sally ran out of the house, clasping her schoolbooks to her chest.
to hold on to someone or something very tightly for comfort or support: · The baby monkey clings to its mother's back until it can climb by itself.· Many children will cling to a soft blanket or toy as a substitute for their mother at night.· Rescue workers saved a 9-year-old boy who was clinging to rocks after he was swept into the ocean by the tide.
to start holding something also get a hold of to take something and hold it in your hand: · I took hold of the handle and pulled as hard as I could.· Sheila fished in her handbag until she got hold of her keys.· The baby got a hold of her beads and broke the string.
to quickly and roughly take something and hold it: · Brown grabbed the phone and started shouting.· She turned to him and grabbed his arm so hard it surprised him.grab hold of something: · The boy grabbed hold of my bag and disappeared quickly into the crowd.grab something from somebody: · According to the report, Mason grabbed the gun from a friend.
also grasp for to take something in your hand, especially when it is very difficult to do this: · I clutched at my mother's arm to keep from falling.· The climber grasped at a small hold just above him.
to hold something and turn it around in your hands to hold something and turn it around in your hands, for example to examine it or use it: · Please do not handle the fruit and vegetables.· This violin is very old and valuable and must be handled carefully.
to hold something small and keep turning it around in your hands, especially because you are nervous or bored: · Martina was fiddling nervously with her pen.· Stop fiddling with the remote control!
to hold something in your hands and turn it around continuously for no reason: · She played with the red roses on the table as she talked.· Is it worth reading to our kids when they're busy playing with their hair or their teddy bears? Yes.
to hold something with your fingers or in your hand, trying to move it in some way, but doing it carelessly or with difficulty: · She could hear someone fumbling with the handle of her door.· I fumbled drunkenly with the keys, dropping them to the floor.· He stood before them, his eyes lowered, fumbling with his hat.
to hold a weapon to hold a weapon such as a knife or stick and wave it around so that people can see that you are going to use it: · The rioters faced police who were wielding clubs and batons.knife-wielding/gun-wielding/sword-wielding etc: · Home was a cramped two rooms in a street where gun-wielding criminals walked.
to hold something such as a gun, knife, or stick so that people can see it, especially while threatening them: · A man brandishing a gun had threatened staff and customers at a local bank.· Four horsemen dashed up at full gallop, shouting and brandishing their weapons.
to put your arms around someone to put your arms around someone and hold them close to you, especially to show that you love them, or in order to comfort them: · I held her until she went to sleep.hold somebody tight: · There was nothing I could say so I just held her tight and let her cry.hold somebody in your arms: · She held a baby in her arms.
to hold someone especially when you want to comfort them or kiss them or show that you love them: · Mama put her arms around me and tried to comfort me.· She put her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
to put your arms around someone and hold them close to you, especially to show that you love them, or to comfort them: · My father hugged me affectionately when I got home.· "I'll never forget you,'' she said, and we hugged each other for the last time.hug somebody close/tight: · Jane threw her arms around him and hugged him tight.
to hold someone in your arms for a long time, especially a child, a small animal, or someone you love: · She had fallen asleep in her chair, cuddling a little teddy bear.kiss and cuddle (=when two people hold each other and kiss each other): · They were kissing and cuddling on the sofa.
to gently pull someone towards you and hold them in your arms, especially someone you love: · He took Sophie in his arms and kissed her.· Margaret took the little boy in her arms and carried him downstairs.
formal put your arms around someone and hold them in a friendly or loving way, especially when you are meeting or leaving someone: · Phoebe ran to embrace her mother.· Before my flight was called we stood and embraced.
to hold someone's hand, arm etc to hold someone's hand, especially to comfort them or to make them feel safe: · Hold Mummy's hand -- there's a good girl.· Andrew sat next to Jane and held her hand.· He held her hand tightly and led her across the street.hold hands (=if two or more people hold hands, they hold each other's hands): · She saw Kurt and Eileen coming back from the beach, kissing and holding hands.· Then we all sat in a circle and held hands.
to take hold of someone's hand, arm etc, in order to take them somewhere: · Emily took me by the hand and led me into the garden.· A nurse took her arm and led her to a chair.
the way that someone holds something the way in which someone is holding something: somebody's hold on something: · I tightened my hold on the child as we crossed the busy road.tighten/loosen/relax your hold (on): · My mother relaxed, and loosened her hold on my hand.keep/have hold of: · Prevost asked me if I still had hold of my camera.· In this form of wrestling there are a number of different holds, each used in a different situation.
the way you hold something tightly: · The policeman had a firm grip on my arm.· To play this shot, you need to change your grip on the racquet slightly.lose your grip (=be unable to hold something any longer): · I lost my grip on the branch, and fell out of the tree.tighten your grip (=grip something more tightly): · She looked anxious and tightened her grip on her shoulder bag.
the way you hold something tightly, especially a part of someone's body, in order to keep them close to you: · She tried to escape Moore's grasp but he was too strong for her.tighten your grasp (=grasp something more tightly): · Helen tightened her grasp on my collar and shouted "Don't fool around with me, Mickey!''
to stop holding something to stop holding something or someone: · Let go! You're hurting me.let go of: · She wouldn't let go of the letter.· At the end of the fair, the school let go of hundreds of balloons.
to stop holding something suddenly, especially by accident, so that it falls to the ground: · I dropped my sunglasses and they broke.· As soon as she saw him she dropped her suitcases and ran towards him.
especially written to stop holding something, especially someone's hand, wrist, arm etc: · He took hold of my hand but then released it again quickly.
to succeed in contacting someone by telephone to succeed in contacting someone by telephone after trying several times: · Where have you been? I've been trying to get hold of you all week.· It's no use trying to phone Linda at work -- she's impossible to get hold of.
to succeed in contacting someone by telephone, especially after a delay or technical problem: · I finally got through, but it took several minutes.get through to somebody: · By the way, did you get through to Sharon?· I hate dealing with the bank over the phone. It takes ages to get through to the right person.
to contact someone by telephone - use this especially when you are saying whether you can or cannot contact them: · You can reach me here through Friday. I leave for Denver Saturday.· Have you been able to reach Neil?
to completely control someone's behaviour to have a very powerful influence on another person and control the way that they behave: · It was obvious that her husband completely dominated her.· a very self-confident man with a dominating manner
someone who is domineering always wants to control what other people do and never considers what they want themselves: · Hattie was struggling to break free from her domineering father.· He's arrogant and domineering and never listens to anyone.· My mother has a very domineering personality.
informal to treat someone very badly by doing whatever you want to do, without caring about what they want or feel: · Why do you let him just walk all over you, have you no pride?· It's important not to let colleagues walk all over you at work.
to be able to control someone because you have some emotional power over them, for example, because you know their secrets or weak points: · He seems to have a very powerful hold over the women in his life.· It's been two years since we divorced, but he still has a hold on me.
to be able to control someone because you have emotional power over them - used especially in literature: · At last she had McAdams in her power!
to succeed in getting something, especially something that is difficult to get · Getting the money for the house wasn't easy.· If I get first prize it'll be a miracle.
informal to get something that is rare or difficult to find: · Do you know where I can get hold of a German--Japanese dictionary?· These kids have very little difficulty getting hold of illegal weapons.
informal to get something that you want or need very much, or have been trying hard to get: · I bet he can't wait to lay his hands on all that money.· When Ted was a kid, he read every book about space that he could get his hands on.
: land a job/contract/interview etc to get a job etc that was difficult to get - use this especially when someone was very lucky to do this: · A French company has landed a contract to supply computers to China.land yourself something British: · He's managed to land himself an amazing job in advertising.
: win somebody's support/trust/confidence etc to get someone's support, trust etc, especially by working hard to achieve this: · It will take time to win her trust.· Gandhi won the support of many liberals in England.
: clinch a deal/contract/championship etc to finally succeed in making a deal, winning a contract etc after trying very hard: · We finally clinched the contract by offering them a lower price.· Mitchell phoned from Chicago to say that he was close to clinching the deal.· Germany scored twice in the last ten minutes to clinch the championship.
informal to get something, especially something that is difficult to get, by using clever and often slightly dishonest methods: · "They're sending me to Paris next weekend.'' "How did you manage to wangle that?''wangle it so that: · Gail has wangled it so that we can get in without tickets.
formal to succeed in getting official permission for or agreement about something, especially when this was difficult: · France was able to secure the release of two of its hostages.· Schiller secured funds for the special education project.
when a telephone line is busy also engaged British a telephone line that is busy is already being used by the person that you want to telephone, so you cannot speak to them: · She tried to call Lisa, but the phone was busy.· I called Mom again, but it was still busy.· He tried Nick's suite again. This time the line was engaged.· Janice's number is still engaged. She's been on the phone all morning.engaged toneBritish /busy signal American (=the sound a telephone makes when the person you are trying to call is already using the telephone): · I've been trying to call the customer helpline, but all I'm getting is a busy signal.
waiting to speak to someone on the phone who cannot speak to you immediately because they are already speaking to someone else on the telephone: · You're always on hold for about 10 minutes before you get to talk to anyone.put somebody on hold: · I put Dana on hold while I tried to find Steve.
WORD SETSaerobics, nounangler, nounangling, nounaquaplane, verbaquaplane, nounarcher, nounarchery, nounascent, nounathletics, nounbackboard, nounbadminton, nounbag, nounbag, verbbait, nounbait, verbbalance beam, nounballooning, nounbantamweight, nounbarbell, nounbasket, nounbasketball, nounbaton, nounbeam, nounbeat, verbbeater, nounbig game, nounbird dog, nounbirdie, nounbite, nounblack belt, nounblade, nounblind, nounblood sport, nounbobsleigh, nounbody building, nounbowling, nounboxing, nounbull, nounbullfight, nounbullring, nouncaber, nouncalisthenics, nouncallisthenics, nouncartwheel, nouncast, verbcast, nouncaving, nouncentre, nouncheckered flag, nounchin-up, nouncircuit, nounclay pigeon shooting, nounclimb, verbclimb, nounclimber, nounclimbing, nounclose season, nouncock fight, nouncockpit, nounconquer, verbconversion, nouncorner, nouncrew, nouncroquet, nouncross, nouncross-country, nouncurling, noundecathlon, noundecoy, noundirt track, noundiscus, noundogfight, noundrag race, noundumbbell, noundunk, verbeight, numberexercise, nounexercise, verbexercise bike, nounface-off, nounfalconer, nounfalconry, nounfall, nounfeather, verbfeatherweight, nounfeint, verbfence, verbfencer, nounfencing, nounfield event, nounfield goal, nounfield hockey, nounfigure, nounfigure skating, nounflat racing, nounfloat, nounfloor, verbfly, nounflyfishing, nounfly half, nounflyweight, nounfoil, nounfoothold, nounforward, nounforward roll, nounfoxhunting, nounfun run, nounGaelic football, noungaff, noungame, noungliding, noungo-cart, noungo-kart, noungrand master, nounGrand Prix, noungrid, nounground bait, nounguard, noungym, noungymnast, noungymnastics, nounhandball, nounhang-gliding, nounheadlock, nounheadstand, nounhealth club, nounheavyweight, nounhockey, nounhold, nounhoming pigeon, nounhook, nounhook, verbhot dog, verbhound, nounhunt, verbhunt, nounhunter, nounhunting, nounhunting ground, nounhuntress, nounhunt saboteur, nounhuntsman, nounhurdle, nounhurdle, verbhurling, nounice hockey, nounice rink, nounice skate, nounice-skate, verbinside track, nounisometrics, nounjack, nounjavelin, nounjog, verbjog, nounjogger, nounjogging, nounjudo, nounjujitsu, nounkarate, nounkeeper, nounkickboxing, nounknockout, nounknock-up, nounkung fu, nounlacrosse, nounlanding net, nounlawn bowling, nounlawn tennis, nounlay-up, nounleague, nounlight heavyweight, nounlightweight, nounline-out, nounlock, nounlodge, nounlure, nounmarathon, nounmartial art, nounmat, nounmeet, nounmiddle-distance, adjectivemiddleweight, nounmiler, nounmountaineer, nounmountaineering, nounnet, verbninepins, nounnursery slope, nounobstacle course, nounobstacle race, nounone-two, nounopen season, nounorienteering, nounoutpoint, verbpaddle, nounparagliding, nounparallel bars, nounparasailing, nounparascending, nounpentathlon, nounpicador, nounpin, nounPing-Pong, nounpiste, nounpiton, nounpit stop, nounpole position, nounpolo, nounpommel horse, nounpotholing, nounpress-up, nounprizefight, nounpuck, nounpunch-drunk, adjectivepurse, nounpush-up, nounquarry, nounrace, nounrace car, nounracing car, nounracquetball, nounrally, nounrider, nounrink, nounrock climbing, nounrod, nounround, nounrounders, nounrowing, nounruck, nounrugby, nounRugby League, nounRugby Union, nounrugger, nounrun, verbrun, nounrunner, nounrunning, nounsailboard, nounsailing, nounscramble, nounscrum, nounscrumhalf, nounshadow boxing, nounshoot, verbshooting, nounshot put, nounshuttlecock, nounsit-up, nounskate, nounskate, verbskateboard, nounskating, nounskating rink, nounskeet shooting, nounski, nounski, verbski boot, nounskier, nounskiing, nounski jump, nounski lift, nounskin-diving, nounski pole, nounski run, nounskydiving, nounslalom, nounslow-pitch, nounsnare, nounsnare, verbsnooker, nounsnowboard, nounsoftball, nounspeed skating, nounspeedway, nounspeleology, nounspinner, nounsprint, nounsprinter, nounsquash, nounstar jump, nounsteeplechase, nounstep, nounstrike, nounstroke, nounsumo, nounsurf, verbsurfboard, nounsurfing, nountable tennis, nounT'ai Chi, nounT-ball, nountenpin, nountenpin bowling, nounthrow, verbtoehold, nountouchdown, nountouch football, nountouchline, nountrack, nountrack and field, nountrack event, nountrack meet, nountraining, nountrampoline, nountrap, nountrapeze, nountravel, verbtraverse, nountriathlon, nountriple jump, nountry, nountug-of-war, nountumble, verbtumbling, nounvelodrome, nounvolleyball, nounwater polo, nounwater skiing, nounweigh-in, nounweight, nounweightlifting, nounwelterweight, nounwind-surfing, nounwinter sports, nounwrestler, nounwrestling, nounyacht, nounyardarm, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives The hospital should be held accountable for the quality of care it gives. The church was held in great affection (=loved and cared about a lot) by the local residents. He emerged, holding a baby aloft. She had always kept herself aloof from the boys in class. The doctor held himself somewhat aloof from the rest of the ship’s crew. A small centre party holds the balance of power (=is able to make either side more powerful than the other by supporting them) in the Assembly. Workers at the plant held a ballot and rejected strike action. a pilot who was held captive (=kept as a prisoner) for six years Miss Perry caught hold of my sleeve and pulled me back. deeply held religious beliefs Willis was held in detention for five years. The King held dominion over a vast area. a property held in escrow The critics held him in high esteem as an actor. The funeral will be held at St. Martin’s Church. an attempt to persuade the government to hold a general election (=have a general election) Kay grabbed hold of my arm to stop herself falling. I could see he was carrying a gun. The group are holding two tourists hostage (=keeping them as hostages). Our country must not be held hostage to our past. He is reportedly being held incommunicado at a military prison. The coroner will hold an inquest into the deaths. The Tories will hold a private inquest into why they were defeated. I’m holding you personally responsible for this mess! The Green Party held a press conference the next day. It all comes down to who holds the purse strings. The city council agreed to hold a referendum on the issue in November. The sudden noise made him release his hold on her arm. If anything goes wrong, I will hold you personally responsible. The government’s proposals were held up to ridicule (=suffered ridicule) by opposition ministers. He had no respect for everything I held sacred. All firearms should be kept securely locked in a cabinet. The service was held in the chapel. Several thousand students staged sit-ins and protest marches. ‘King Lear’ still holds audiences spellbound. He holds a 51% stake in the firm. As we left, I wondered what the future held in store. The two presidents agreed to hold a summit in the spring. These old attitudes still hold sway in the church. His mother kept a tight hold on his hand. The money your father left you will be held in trust until you are 21.
· Rose had a tight hold of her hand.
verbs· Maria winced as Luke tightened his hold on her fingers.
· Laughing, he loosened his hold until she could pull her arms free.
(=stop holding something)· As soon as his fingers released their hold, Robyn turned and ran.
phrases (=hold something without letting go)· I had to run to keep hold of the leather strap.
(=start holding something)· Wallace took hold of Fred’s jacket and pulled him roughly backwards.
(=start holding something quickly and firmly)· She grabbed hold of the letter and tore it open.
(=be holding something)· Nathan had hold of her hand again.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The hospital should be held accountable for the quality of care it gives. The church was held in great affection (=loved and cared about a lot) by the local residents. He emerged, holding a baby aloft. She had always kept herself aloof from the boys in class. The doctor held himself somewhat aloof from the rest of the ship’s crew. (=one that you have had all your life)· It’s been her lifelong ambition to work with horses.
· I dreamt I saw my mother again with her arms stretched out towards me.
(=gently put your arms around someone you love)· He took her in his arms and kissed her.
· I don't think that bag will hold all those books..
· He was being held without bail pending another hearing.
A small centre party holds the balance of power (=is able to make either side more powerful than the other by supporting them) in the Assembly. Workers at the plant held a ballot and rejected strike action. (=that you believe very much)· her strongly-held belief that things were much better in the past
(=that a lot of people believe)· The article expressed the widely-held belief that unemployment leads to crime.
· He held this belief until the day he died.
(=not breathe out for a few seconds or minutes)· How long can you hold your breath underwater?
(=a small one that you hold in your hand)· The calculations can be done using a hand-held calculator.
a pilot who was held captive (=kept as a prisoner) for six years Miss Perry caught hold of my sleeve and pulled me back. formal:· The company is holding a celebration for its 75th anniversary.
· A ceremony was held in Berlin to mark the occasion.
· The championships are being held next Sunday at the San Jose Arena.
(=provide a class)· Evening classes are held in the local school.
(=arrange for a clinic to take place)· The hospital holds vaccination clinics once a fortnight.
(=hold someone against your body) He drew her close to him.
He drew her close to him. (also yield a clue formal) (=provide one)· The poem itself holds a clue about who it was written for.
formal· The museum holds a comprehensive collection of photographs from that period.
· Each year the school holds a painting competition.
· This data is all held on a central computer.
(=have one)· Their annual conference was held in Chicago.
· Further consultations will be held with local residents.
· How much liquid will this container hold?
(=have a low opinion of something or someone, and show it)· He was one of those men who hold in contempt those who do not share his point of view.
· My college holds an athletics contest once a year.
· The court ruled that the penalty was not excessive.
· The men have been held in custody since they were arrested.
deeply held religious beliefs formal (=have one)· The ideal candidate will hold a degree in physical chemistry.
(=organize and take part in one)· In April, students began holding demonstrations to demand more freedom.
Willis was held in detention for five years. The King held dominion over a vast area.· The government plans to hold an election in November.
a property held in escrow The critics held him in high esteem as an actor. (=organize an event in the evening)· The college is holding an open evening on May 6th for year 9 to 11 pupils.
(=organize a public event)· The charity plans to stage several fund-raising events this year.
(=use someone as a good example of something)· He was held up as an example to the younger athletes.
(=carry one out)· The executions will be held later today.
formal (=have an exhibition)· Hayward Gallery is mounting an impressive exhibition of new British artists.
(=arrange for a feast to take place)· The feast was held in the college dining hall.
· Tucson had a film festival last month.
The funeral will be held at St. Martin’s Church. (=what will happen)· He is worried about what the future holds for the company.
(=keep looking at someone who is looking at you)· He held her gaze for a few seconds, then continued eating.
an attempt to persuade the government to hold a general election (=have a general election) Kay grabbed hold of my arm to stop herself falling.· The police asked if anyone might have had a grudge against the victim.
· He insisted that he held no grudge against Taylor.
I could see he was carrying a gun.· Joanne and Kevin held hands on the sofa.
· His other hand was holding his mobile phone.
(=respect them very much) As an educationalist, he was held in very high esteem. Romsey earned high praise from his boss.
As an educationalist, he was held in very high esteem. Romsey earned high praise from his boss. (=say that you think something is likely)· Negotiators did not hold out much hope of a peaceful solution.
The group are holding two tourists hostage (=keeping them as hostages). Our country must not be held hostage to our past. He is reportedly being held incommunicado at a military prison. The coroner will hold an inquest into the deaths. The Tories will hold a private inquest into why they were defeated.· The government has refused to hold an inquiry into the incident.
(=keep a job)· He had never been able to hold down a job.
· In his hand, he held a long knife.
· Who has the lease on the flat?
British English (=have a licence)· Police said that the man did not hold a firearms licence.
(=they continue having good luck)· Our luck held, and the weather remained fine.
· The Democratic party has a majority in the Senate.
formal (=have a meeting)· The meetings are usually held on a Friday.
(=remain calm and confident in a difficult situation)· The team held their nerve and went on to win.
(=so that you cannot smell a bad smell)· The smell was so revolting that I had to hold my nose.
(=have a particular important job or position) Trujillo held office as finance minister.
Trujillo held office as finance minister.· Everyone seemed to have a different opinion.· He holds strong opinions on these issues.
· The party was held at his flat.
· I have a Canadian passport.
I’m holding you personally responsible for this mess! (also the police detain somebody formal) (=keep them at a police station)· The police can hold suspects for up to 48 hours without charge.· The police detained several activists, but released them after questioning.
(=stay in a position)· Pull in your tummy muscles and hold that position.
(=have an opinion)· We take the position that these changes are to be welcomed.
(=have it)· She had previously held a senior position in another school.
(=have a job)· He had previously held the post of Foreign Minister.
(=be in power)· Economic disaster befell the country during the decade when he held power.
The Green Party held a press conference the next day. (=make them keep it)· The next day, Gareth held me to my promise to take him fishing.
(=seem likely to be good or successful – used of things)· The Internet clearly held great promise as an educational tool.
· Opponents of the plan have staged several protests.
It all comes down to who holds the purse strings.· The race will be held on February 25th.
· The students had been refused permission to hold their rally in Victory Square.
· From 1 Dec 1914 to 31 Oct 1915 he held the rank of captain.
· The wedding reception will be held at The Grand Hotel.
(=have it)· Davies holds the record for most points in a season.
The city council agreed to hold a referendum on the issue in November.· Doctors are held in high regard by society.
The sudden noise made him release his hold on her arm. If anything goes wrong, I will hold you personally responsible. The government’s proposals were held up to ridicule (=suffered ridicule) by opposition ministers. He had no respect for everything I held sacred.· The Liberals now hold 292 seats in Parliament.
(also retain a seat formal) (=not lose it in an election)· He is unlikely to retain his seat after next year's election.· Labour managed to hold the seat, but with a reduced majority.
(=wait a short time) ‘Is Al there?’ ‘Hold on a sec, I’ll check.’
‘Is Al there?’ ‘Hold on a sec, I’ll check.’ All firearms should be kept securely locked in a cabinet. The service was held in the chapel.· A lot of the employees own shares in the company.
Several thousand students staged sit-ins and protest marches. ‘King Lear’ still holds audiences spellbound. He holds a 51% stake in the firm.· A recent poll showed his approval rating holding steady at 53 percent.
As we left, I wondered what the future held in store. The two presidents agreed to hold a summit in the spring. These old attitudes still hold sway in the church.· He called on the rebels to hold talks with the government.
(=not cry even though you feel like crying)· She gave her version of events, often struggling to hold back the tears.
His mother kept a tight hold on his hand. (=control it very firmly) The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings.
The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings.· Sorry I’m late – I was stuck in traffic.
· We believe the trial will be held sometime next month.
The money your father left you will be held in trust until you are 21. (=its value does not fall over time)· Good quality furniture should hold its value.
· People brought up in different times hold different social values.
(=have an opinion)· He has very left-wing views.
· There is a widely-held view that young people eat too much junk food.
(=strong views that someone is unwilling to change)· He is known for his strongly held views on modern art.
(=good weather continues in the same way)· The forecast said the weather should hold until Tuesday.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· But at current levels the shares are a firm hold.· As she staggered awkwardly, he grabbed firm hold of the sagging pyjama-jacket, arresting her flight as he held her there.· Clumps of sturdy weed grew wherever they could take a firm hold.· As soon as one does so, its lips close around it, giving it a firm hold.· Recognizing the all-too familiar symptoms, Manville fought against the gathering depression before it took too firm a hold on him.· Each brush has a heat-resistant handle with a rubber-neck grip for firm hold while you style.· Teachers of reading need to keep a firm hold of their hats, their expertise and their integrity.
· Many other features of late medieval Catholicism exercised a similarly strong hold over the popular mind.· Styled by Scissors Gel maintains its strong hold on styling as one of the essential hair products for men.· Evil has such a strong hold on Gollum that he does not have control over his own mind any more.
· She would be keeping a tight hold on her feelings from now on.· We got up, he pushed me roughly towards the door, keeping a tight hold of me.· The tighter political hold was in part a reaction to the worsening economic and organizational situation in cultural affairs.· He had a tight hold on the audience, totally in command of his band.· Philip gripped tight hold of Caspar's collar.· The tight hold was maintained by Thatcher's government.· For Winnie herself, it required the tightest hold, the fumes of the stuff, to keep her wits about her.· Keep tight hold and continue while there's time.
NOUN· She was in the cargo hold, standing on the ribbed floor of the shuttle next to the loading hatch.· And a third beam was forced into the cargo hold.· Demyonov had gone home last week in an elaborate casket dark inside the cargo hold of a Tupolev airliner.· That would force airline workers to retrieve that travelers' bag from the cargo hold.· Chests of tea and bales of wool can be found in the lower cargo hold.· There were dull thuds from the cargo hold.· If the wiring were overheating, it could have caused oxygen-generating canisters in the cargo hold to explode, he said.
VERB· Huey the Snake had a grip on the local drugs network, so the Richardson's moved in to break his hold.· He is not a moderate who wants to break the conservative hold on the party.· Generally, if attempting to break a hold avoid big movements.· And before she could break the hold, the king's remark turned all attention on her again.· Graham broke the hold and swivelled Samir round as Al-Makesh fired.
· Taking her completely by surprise, he caught hold of her arm and pulled her towards him.· Bowman caught hold of the short lever fastened to the valve and with his last strength pulled it down.· It caught hold of a chair and, with a great deal of grunting, managed to tip it over.· On March 4 she caught hold of the end of her buggy and twice pulled herself to her feet.· She wanted desperately to catch hold of his arm, to stop him walking out of her life.· He fainted from pain but caught hold of the iron railing of a house and remained erect.· He went down trying to catch hold of the breath he'd just lost.
· All I'd been told was to get hold of her and scare her, get Gerald rattled, you know.· She wanted to know how she could get hold of that poem, and maybe that whole book.· Pieper tried and failed to get hold of the outfits to brief them and to gauge their reaction.· How had he got hold of that name?· He'd like to get hold of a gun and blow them all away.· Police are concerned that the poison may be dumped and children may get hold of it.· Then you put a good big handle on it, so that everyone can get hold of it and pick it up.
· It is remarkable, Hardin, how the religion of science has grabbed hold.· She grabbed hold of it and peered down the microscope again.· He grabbed hold of the chainlink fence that surrounded the empty schoolyard.· They grab hold of the killer's flesh, clamp tight and then cast off the claw.· Life began when energy grabbed hold of some dust and would not let it go.· But Daine was smart enough to grab hold of you.· A couple of lads grab hold of the Monkey and stuff a rag in his mouth.
· I kept good hold of her, part-dragging her after me.· It is the parallel and barefaced cheek of their methods to keep hold of political office that really takes the breath away.· She would be keeping a tight hold on her feelings from now on.· This, I thought, was how South Vermont kept hold of its errant children.· If only you had kept hold of McGovern and O'Hare, you won't find players like them in a hurry.· The economists at Goldman Sachs believe that rates will be kept on hold for all of next year.· Then you could catch your knave speedily and keep hold of him.· Instead, she had kept hold of herself, saving face.
· Culley waited for the spasm to pass, and loosened his hold a fraction.· It was on a block where he encountered three soldiers that he began to loosen his hold on the sequence.· It will be intriguing to see how Brecht's play stands up at a time when Communism is loosening its ideological hold.
· There was a quietness about her that Mary had seen before when people were losing their hold on life.· But old habits are losing their hold on me.· It has also warned that some customers could be faced with paying more if it lost its hold on the household market.· Behind her head the television lost its vertical hold and the picture scrolled slowly upward.· Religion lost its hold on the social imagination when it was seen to embody qualities opposed to science: irrationality and superstition.· He feels the rum starting to lose its hold.· Any cuckoo nestling that lost its hold, even momentarily, over its host would have died as a result.· Primo could feel his fingers losing hold of the on / off switch of his intake valve.
· Styled by Scissors Gel maintains its strong hold on styling as one of the essential hair products for men.· Chapter books require that we and our children maintain our hold on the story line over the duration of the reading period.· To gain and maintain his hold over the Company Sulivan had to become a formidable politician and he inevitably made many enemies.· It should not be imagined that the tiny Party élite at either of these provincial levels could maintain a tight hold.
· According to some commentators the peace process would effectively be placed on hold at least until January 1993 when Clinton took office.· The soft drink deal was placed on hold last year after the Postal Service Board of Governors learned of the federal investigation.· But he shows no bitterness that his life was placed on hold for 12 months while he made a full recovery.· Instead, his life was placed on hold.· It was placed on hold because of the court action.
· It gave her a chance to put everything on hold for a brief while, recharge the batteries after a flight.· Misgivings about the impact of the bomb could be put on hold.· She also had been able to put her feelings on hold as she concentrated on the problems facing her.· Cold temperatures do not kill bacteria, they just put them on hold.· These projects have been put on hold indefinitely.· Her own plans had to be put on hold.· All that was put on hold on March 20, 1990.· If the justices rule for Clinton, the lawsuit will be put on hold for four more years.
· It was a long time before Guy released his fierce hold on her, and reluctantly thrust her away from him.· She exacted a public promise from Chaffee that he would release his hold on the bill.· Tamar would have been happy to finish the association, but Davis would not release his hold on her.· Before dispatching the rabbit it is necessary to induce the ferret to release its hold.· It opens its mouth to scream and releases its hold.
· He retained his hold on her wrist but made no move to pull her to her feet.
· She seized hold of the door handle and tried to open it.· One of the snakes had seized hold of its own tail and the form whirled mockingly before my eyes.· Alison had seized hold of Franca's long plait of dark hair and drawn it out from behind the chair.
· An anti-doctor religion apparently took hold here in the 1920s.· Her imagination took hold of the idea and terrorized her at the thought of the hospital catching fire.· Then with an energy which he had not yet displayed he took hold of Patrick.· We funded those actions out of our many savings elsewhere, as our family of quality programs took hold.· Whatever affects us deeply will also take hold of our souls.· The wine Adrienne had kept passing to her was taking hold of an empty stomach.· As the wine took hold I glanced in her direction with increasing frequency, often to find her already looking at me.· Grief took hold of Achilles, so black that those around him feared for his life.
· The suspended despair inside her splintered into a shuddering sob and Fernando tightened his hold on her.· But the king merely tightened his hold, as if all this energy had sweated drunkenness out of him.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► get hold of an idea/an impression/a story etcPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► hold the aces► hold something at arm’s length► cop hold of something► hold/hang on for/like grim death► have/hold something in your hot little hand► wait a minute/just a minute/hold on a minute/hang on a minute► extend/offer/hold out etc an olive branch (to somebody)► hold somebody for ransom► get (hold of) the wrong end of the stick► have a sure hold/footing
- As the weeks grew into months, a plan took hold of her.
- From the reforms that followed, a new life began to take hold, and more than one innovation was meritorious.
- Her imagination took hold of the idea and terrorized her at the thought of the hospital catching fire.
- His hand came out and took hold of her ankle, gave it a squeeze and a shake.
- If doctors could know for certain which individuals would develop the disease, they could treat potential diabetics before the process takes hold.
- There are usually reasons why some ideas take hold and persist while others fail to do so.
- What do your instincts tell you about whether democracy will take hold after the votes are counted?
- Whereas summer still lingered in Florence, winter had already taken hold in Cramer.
- There are no holds barred when it comes to making a profit.
- He told me he was going to shoot the whole works, no holds barred.
- And the first day you arrive you contrive to get hold of this!
- Could you get hold of the kids, please?
- I think what happened was that Nick had been hanging around waiting to get hold of her.
- It was as though something had got hold of her feet and was trying to pull them.
- Jack wouldn't shoot so long as he'd got hold of him.
- She was absorbedly prodding the aged melon, which she had somehow got hold of.
- Then you put a good big handle on it, so that everyone can get hold of it and pick it up.
- Wherever he was in the world he managed to get hold of all the important rugby results.
- And the first day you arrive you contrive to get hold of this!
- Could you get hold of the kids, please?
- I think what happened was that Nick had been hanging around waiting to get hold of her.
- It was as though something had got hold of her feet and was trying to pull them.
- Jack wouldn't shoot so long as he'd got hold of him.
- She was absorbedly prodding the aged melon, which she had somehow got hold of.
- Then you put a good big handle on it, so that everyone can get hold of it and pick it up.
- Wherever he was in the world he managed to get hold of all the important rugby results.
- I put Dana on hold while I tried to find Steve.
- You're always on hold for about 10 minutes before you get to talk to anyone.
- Economic policies kept the Soviet Union and Japan at arm's length during the Cold War.
- Sandbags kept the floodwaters at bay.
- The government hopes to keep inflation at bay.
- All in all, the eatery is a breakfast bargain, with enough different components to keep boredom at bay.
- Another technique for keeping performance anxiety at bay is the group sing-along.
- Brown has kept the tumult at bay.
- Concentrating on Emma would help to keep her worries at bay for a little while.
- He was gritting his teeth against the pain, keeping it at bay while he studied the stump, the severed hand.
- My voice holds them at bay.
- She holds the adventurers at bay by holding the scroll over a candle flame and threatening to destroy it.
- Two green glazed lions guarded the gates to keep evil spirits at bay.
- If you're waiting for the Cubs to win the series, don't hold your breath.
- Basketball stars today can't hold a candle to Michael Jordan.
- The court heard that the general was unable to keep his troops in check.
- The disease is held in check by weekly injections of a power drug.
- A small bag of zeolite was used for three days, every two weeks to keep ammonia in check.
- But it was rookie Coach Ray Rhodes who gets the most credit for keeping the team in check.
- Churn makes it harder for charities to raise money, keeps real-estate prices in check and politics volatile.
- His own temper rose, but he held it in check.
- In one important area the Navy held its ambitions in check for bargaining reasons within the Whitehall market-place.
- Mulch plants each spring with straw to conserve moisture and keep weeds in check.
- What is new is that the controls which held this population in check no longer exist.
- The days when he held court at the hotel's supper club seem far away now.
- Artists who have arrived at that position are expected to sit still and hold court.
- Baseball raconteur Bill Rigney is holding court at a window table.
- For hour after hour, without a break, clearly relishing the attention, Kevorkian holds court.
- I am holding court, lady of the mansion.
- Instead, he could hold court for his many buyers in his studio garage.
- Ken Bradshaw was holding court among a handful of Waimea veterans.
- Somewhere in the smoky crowd the authoress and photographer, Jill Freedman from New York, was holding court.
- Everything I held dear was destroyed in the war.
- It helped them keep their end up in battle, too, claim historians.
- It is difficult to get skips in this age group capable of keeping their end up at this level of competition.
- Richter kept his end up by arranging a press visit to Huemul Island on 21 June, 1951.
- A character who is held fast can not move or fight, and is treated as prone.
- Balor was struggling and writhing, but his limbs were held fast and only his thick, shapeless body could move.
- Persephone sprang into her arms and was held fast there.
- She tried to pull her hand free, but it was held fast.
- She tried to struggle, but she was held fast.
- Although momentarily tempted by the seductively rich chocolate dessert Sabrina's willpower held firm and she gave it to Graham.
- Another went to a selectman for standing firm.
- But de Gaulle held firm because he knew that time was working in his favour.
- C., held firm, since the federal government kept hiring more and more bureaucrats.
- He stands firm on his convictions.
- Last week the closely held firm announced it had sold $ 17. 25 million worth of limited partnership interests.
- Mr Scargill urged the miners to prepare for battle: they must stand firm over their wage claim.
- They need to describe initially what issues they want to stand firm on and what issues they can give way to.
- As darkness gains a firmer grip the songbirds fade and the owls start.
- As soon as one does so, its lips close around it, giving it a firm hold.
- But at current levels the shares are a firm hold.
- Choose a firm hold variant which will keep your style in place during winder weather and light drizzle.
- Clumps of sturdy weed grew wherever they could take a firm hold.
- I keep a firm grip on my hat and stare into the blustery abyss.
- It's safe but you need to have a firm grip to cut a 13-amp flex.
- Usually this happens because the task is too broadly stated to get a firm grasp on it.
- As his father approached, Richard retreated steadily, never once daring to stand his ground against him.
- I calculate, I stand my ground.
- Not enough to start a war; just enough to let me stand my ground without having to think about it first.
- Richmann stood his ground, certain he would be able to jump out of the. way if things went wrong.
- The guide, however, stood his ground, frantically giving me unrecognizable signs.
- The Housing Executive stood its ground and refused to transfer money earmarked for other projects.
- Williams' job was to hold his ground or drop into pass coverage.
- You know when to stand your ground and when to give in.
- He might as well have put a gun to my head.
- He had held up his head in the most exalted company.
- How does he hold up his head if he knows his wife is deceiving him?
- Sometimes the girl did not leave hold of her swing, and the act failed.
- He made a choking noise, and Marco loosened his grip fractionally.
- I felt a shock charge through my hand and could not loosen my grip.
- Instead, he waited until the first fierce flood of tears had passed, then loosened his grip on her a little.
- It was on a block where he encountered three soldiers that he began to loosen his hold on the sequence.
- Richard first noticed me from across the street as he loosened his grip on the lamppost.
- The woman jabbed her cigarette into the man's face and he loosened his grip.
- When I loosened my grip on him he tried to run back toward Clarisa, stumbling and crawling.
- When there is none, he loosens his grip and turns away.
- She's got the whole committee in the palm of her hand.
- And since the credit accrued to him, he held his peace.
- But Kate knew when enough was enough so she kept her peace.
- But she held her peace and waited for the miracle.
- Colonel Fergusson nodded indulgently at such pertness and obstinacy, but held his peace.
- Gorbachev, like any husband in his circumstances, kept his peace.
- No, better to hold her peace and pretend.
- So I decide to hold my peace for a little while longer.
- Why did he want to hold his peace?
- The president said that the company would not be held to ransom by strikes.
- What gives cheaper fuel campaigners the right to hold the country to ransom?
- By his behaviour Yeltsin has held Clinton to ransom.
- It attacks the foundations of a free society, encouraging those with industrial or commercial muscle to hold others to ransom.
- The countries that control it will be able to hold their clients to ransom.
- The idea of one global power holding the other to ransom seems less credible now than it has done previously.
- They could buy out national debts, hold governments to ransom, close down whole economies if they wanted to.
- What's outrageous is that one powerful and greedy bully, followed by its lackeys, can hold the world to ransom.
- Without some such law the rich could hold the poor to ransom.
- But attitudes of this kind took time to gain the upper hand: the past relaxed its grip only slowly.
- He relaxed his grip on the mug, rolled his sleeves down, pushed his chair back.
- Never for one moment does this shimmering, simmering emotional desert storm of a film relax its grip on your senses.
- The pilots cautiously relaxed their grip and let their muscles slacken.
- Then with excruciating slowness he relaxed his hold, allowing her to back away a pace.
- Weeping with merriment, gleeful through and through, she never relaxed her grip.
- When he tries to say something I relax my grip.
- As a small boy, I devised my own set of cartoon animals, and they now stood me in good stead.
- But her beloved circus may have served her in better stead than regular outings to, say, the ballet.
- Despite his lack of political experience, Clouthier's 20-year leadership of business organisations stood him in good stead.
- Insomnia would stand him in good stead in this expanse of knee-high cover.
- Now we had moved on to bigger and better things, this predictability still stood us in good stead.
- These shoes had stood him in good stead.
- This habit of work, which is by now natural to me, has stood me in good stead.
- Those contacts, he says, still serve him in good stead today.
- The new business manager has a tight hold on the budget.
- Apple, however, kept a tight grip on its technology and suffered the consequences.
- Dominic crept carefully down the stairs, keeping a tight hold on the gleaming mahogany banister.
- He had a tight hold on the audience, totally in command of his band.
- It should not be imagined that the tiny Party élite at either of these provincial levels could maintain a tight hold.
- She would be keeping a tight hold on her feelings from now on.
- The best way for the government to achieve this is to keep a tight grip on the tigerish tendencies of the economy.
- The purge reflects the party leadership's concern with keeping a tight hold on the political reins.
- We got up, he pushed me roughly towards the door, keeping a tight hold of me.
- He tightened his grip on the sub-machine-gun, waited for the helicopter to slow and swing towards him.
- His arm shook and he tightened his grip on the stock of the rifle to still it.
- However, planning permission is required, and legislation is tightening its grip on mast sites.
- It was only when they tensed, curling and tightening their grip on the floor, did he realise they were alive.
- Oats tightened his grip on the axe.
- The suspended despair inside her splintered into a shuddering sob and Fernando tightened his hold on her.
- There were months of interrogations, torture and repression as the military tightened its grip on the country.
- They tightened their grip on the girl.
- But it does lead inevitably to ignorance, for you can not understand what you deliberately chose to have no truck with.
- Its radicals, who dominate the leadership, want no truck with Mr Gorbachev.
- Then the people who get penalised are the majority who want no truck with him.
- We in the Conservative Party have no truck with that style of gutter journalism which we were forced to endure last Sunday.
WORD FAMILYnounholdholderholdingverbhold
1holding something [singular] the action of holding something with your hands SYN griphold on She released her tight hold on the dog. He tightened his hold, refusing to let her go. Make sure you keep hold of my hand when we cross the road. I took hold of her hand and gently led her away. Grab hold of the rope and pull yourself up.2get hold of something (also get a hold of something American English) to find or borrow something so that you can use it: I need to get hold of a car. She managed to get a hold of a copy.3get hold of somebody (also get a hold of somebody American English) to find and speak to someone about something: I must get hold of Vanessa to see if she can babysit.4control/power [singular] control, power, or influence over something or someoneget/keep a hold on/of something He struggled to get a hold of his emotions. I’ve always kept a tight hold on our finances. I realized that the woman had a hold over my father.5on hold a)if something is on hold, it is going to be done or dealt with at a later date rather than now: The plans are on hold until after the election. Since having the kids, my career has been put on hold. b)if you are on hold, you are waiting to talk to someone on the telephone: We try not to keep people on hold for more than a couple of minutes. The agent put me on hold while she consulted a colleague.6take (a) hold to start to have a definite effect: The fever was beginning to take hold.7get hold of an idea/an impression/a story etc to learn or begin to believe something: Where on earth did you get hold of that idea?8fight [countable] a particular position that you hold an opponent in, in a fight or a sport such as wrestling9climbing [countable] somewhere you can put your hands or feet to help you climb something: The cliff was steep and it was difficult to find a hold.10ship [countable] the part of a ship below the deck1(1) where goods are stored11no holds barred when there are no rules or limits on what you are allowed to do: It seems there are no holds barred when it comes to making a profit.COLLOCATIONSadjectivesa tight/firm hold· Rose had a tight hold of her hand.verbstighten your hold· Maria winced as Luke tightened his hold on her fingers.loosen/relax your hold· Laughing, he loosened his hold until she could pull her arms free.release your hold (=stop holding something)· As soon as his fingers released their hold, Robyn turned and ran.phraseskeep hold of something (=hold something without letting go)· I had to run to keep hold of the leather strap.get/take hold of something (=start holding something)· Wallace took hold of Fred’s jacket and pulled him roughly backwards.catch/grab/seize etc hold of something (=start holding something quickly and firmly)· She grabbed hold of the letter and tore it open.have hold of something (=be holding something)· Nathan had hold of her hand again.