to hold on

Examples

• All

• The fall cost him the race, but he did manage to hold on to the picnic basket.

  Fiction book (1991)

• It is best to hold on to the simple things.

  You Are Here (2011)

• So all we need to do is hold on to that state for a moment.

• And I will not hold on to things for no reason.

• Do you want to hold on to your business?

  Single White Female (1992)

• Will you hold on to some of my stuff for me?

  The Bling Ring (2013)

• I have never forgotten that day, that feeling, and I still hold on to it.

  Fiction book (1995)

• We will hold on to your passport.

  Jumper (2008)

• Hold on to me, Joan.

  Jungle Woman (1944)

• Will you hold on to my bag while I grab my coat?

Synonyms

K

to keep

vsto hold on

∞ 1.0

To continue doing something or stay in the same state

focuses specifically on keeping ownership or possession

H

to hold

vsto hold on

∞ 1.0

To carry or support something with your hands

refers to possessing ownership, not only physical carrying

C

to cling

vsto hold on

240 2.1

To hold on tightly to someone or something and not let go

is about possession rather than tight attachment or emotion

H

to hold onto

vsto hold on

180 3.0

To keep something and not let it go

expresses keeping possession without emphasis on grip

C

to cling to

vsto hold on

111 3.3

To hold tightly to something or keep believing something strongly in hard times

refers to owning or possessing rather than emotional holding

R

to retain

vsto hold on

60 3.0

To hold something inside so it does not escape

means holding ownership rather than only preventing loss

H

to hold tight

vsto hold on

• Informal

42 2.2

Grab something firmly with your hands to stay safe

is about possession rather than urgent physical grip

S

to stick to

vsto hold on

41 1.8

Stay attached to a surface

means keeping possession rather than physical adhesion

H

to hold to

vsto hold on

25 3.5

To stay loyal to a promise, plan or belief

refers to holding ownership, not continuing loyalty or commitment

H

to hold fast

vsto hold on

11 5.5

To stay firmly attached to something or keep believing strongly in an idea

focuses on retaining ownership rather than attachment or commitment

H

to hold close

vsto hold on

1 1.4

Keep a person or thing tightly against your body

focuses on retaining ownership, not closeness or embrace

Antonyms

S

to surrender

722 4.4

To stop fighting and give control or things to someone else, often when forced

R

to relinquish

• Formal

69 7.2

To give up control, a right, or something you own

How Long

to cling to

61 3.4

to keep

∞ 1.0

to hold on

72 1.6

to let go

∞ 1.4

to give away

233 2.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology