hold on
/ˌhoʊld ˈɑn/
Reviewed on
Type
Phrasal verb
Meaning
To wait for a short time, especially on the telephone or in casual conversation.
Please hold on for a minute while I transfer your call to customer service.
Can you hold on while I find my car keys?
To grip something firmly for support or safety.
Hold on tight to the railing as the ferry begins to pull away.
The passenger held on to the overhead strap when the bus lurched.
To manage to endure or survive through a difficult or painful situation.
The injured hiker held on until the rescue team arrived at dawn.
If the business can hold on through the winter, sales will recover.
How it's used
When this means “wait a short time”
- hold on
Hold on while I check the schedule.
When this means “grip something firmly”
- hold on to the railing
Say “hold on to it.” Not “hold it on.”
Hold on to the handrail on your way down.
Collocations
- hold on tight
- hold on for a second
- hold on for a minute
- hold on for dear life
Antonyms
- let go
- give up
Idioms
hold on to your hat
used to warn someone that they are about to hear surprising news
Hold on to your hat, because the repair estimate is much higher than expected.