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Glite Dictionary
📞 To wait on phone 🛡️ To not give in 💵 To keep steady
to hold the line

to hold the line

14 3.7
To wait on the phone without hanging up
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : mantenerse en la línea
  • Please hold the line.
  • Please hold the line
  • hold the line a sec
  • just hold the line

Examples

Synonyms

to wait
vsto hold the line
∞ 1.0

To stay in one place or delay action until something happens

differs by meaning keeping an active telephone connection while one waits
to hold on
vsto hold the line
  • Informal
∞ 1.3

To wait for a short time during a phone call

emphasizes keeping the line open specifically while waiting for information
to hang on
vsto hold the line
  • Informal
362 3.0

To stay on the phone and wait

focuses on keeping the connection open while awaiting transfer or information
to hold on a second
vsto hold the line
  • Informal
75 1.2

Ask someone to wait for a short time

is used when you need to keep the call open while waiting
to hang tight
vsto hold the line
  • Informal
22 7.4

Wait patiently and stay calm during a delay

is specifically about keeping a telephone connection open while waiting
to stay on the line
vsto hold the line
18 3.0

To remain connected by phone while you wait for help

is about keeping the call open while someone retrieves information
to hold the phone
vsto hold the line
  • Informal
8 8.2

Tell someone to wait so you can check or explain something

in contrast, refers to staying connected on the phone while waiting

Antonyms

to hang up
405 2.5

End a phone call by putting the phone down

How Long

to hold the line
14 3.7
to hang on
  • Informal
362 3.0
to hold on a second
  • Informal
75 1.2

Surface Forms

hold the line infinitive
held the line past
held the line past participle
holding the line present participle
holds the line third person singular

Morphology

hold + the + line

The verb 'hold' (to keep or maintain) combined with 'line' (a boundary, limit, or position) yields a fairly predictable metaphor of keeping a boundary or position intact. However, the use as a set phrase meaning 'refuse to change a stance under pressure' requires a metaphorical mapping from physical holding to political or social steadfastness, so it is partly but not fully derivable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

Hold the line comes from early telephone use when a caller was asked to keep the phone connected and literally hold the line while someone found information. So, it now means 'to wait on the phone'.