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hold on

/hoʊld ɒn/
phrasal verb★Intermediate
informal

to wait for a short time, typically in a difficult or unpleasant situation

Just hold on a minute, I'm almost there.

Just hold on a minute, I'm almost there.

She told me to hold on while she checked the information.

She told me to hold on while she checked the information.

💡

This phrasal verb is often used in situations where someone needs to be patient or wait for a short period of time.

💼Business
formal

to continue to do something or to continue in a situation, even when it is difficult

The company will hold on to its market share despite the competition.

The company will hold on to its market share despite the competition.

💡

In a business context, 'hold on' can mean to maintain a position or situation.

Collocations

hold on toto keep something or someonehold on forto wait for something or someone

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

hold ontophrasal verb
to keep something or someone
hold on tightidiom
to hold something or someone very tightly

💡Pro Tip

Usage tip

Remember that 'hold on' is often used in informal situations, while 'hold onto' is used in more formal situations.

⚡Gold Rule

Grammar rule

When using 'hold on' as a phrasal verb, make sure to use the correct preposition 'on'.

📖Word Origin

The phrasal verb 'hold on' originated from the Old English words 'hold' and 'on', which have been used in various forms since the 9th century.

📝Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 'hold on' with 'hold onto', which has a slightly different meaning.

Word Breakdown

hold
to keep or grasp something
verb
+
on
in a position or situation
preposition
✎ Noted on May 27, 2026EN → EN

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