hold on
/hoʊld ɒn/To wait or pause for a short time
Hold on while I check the schedule.
Asking someone to wait while you look for information.
Hold on tight, the road is bumpy!
Instructing someone to grip firmly to avoid falling.
Commonly used in spoken English to request patience or to indicate a brief pause.
To maintain a position or condition
The company is holding on to its market share despite competition.
Maintaining a position or status despite challenges.
Less common usage, often in business or competitive contexts.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Context Matters
The phrase can be polite ('Hold on, I'll help you') or urgent ('Hold on, that's dangerous!'). Adjust tone accordingly.
⚡Gold Rule
Politeness
Use 'hold on' with a polite tone when asking someone to wait, especially in formal or professional settings.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'holden on,' combining the verb 'hold' (to grasp or maintain) and the preposition 'on' (to continue or persist).
📝Usage Notes
Primarily used in informal contexts to request a pause or to indicate persistence. The tone can vary from polite to urgent depending on context.