hold onto
/hoʊld ɒnˈtuː/To keep possession of something; to not let go of something physically or metaphorically.
He held onto his childhood memories tightly.
He cherished his childhood memories and didn't let them fade.
The company decided to hold onto its shares despite the market downturn.
The company chose to retain its shares even when the market was declining.
Can be used both literally (physical objects) and metaphorically (ideas, emotions, or abstract concepts).
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Use 'hold onto' for both physical objects (e.g., a book) and abstract concepts (e.g., hope or a memory).
⚡Gold Rule
Common Usage
This phrase is widely used in everyday language to express the idea of keeping something, whether tangible or intangible.
📖Word Origin
Derived from the combination of the verb 'hold' and the preposition 'onto', emphasizing the action of keeping something in one's grasp.
📝Usage Notes
Often used in both literal and figurative contexts. In informal speech, it can also imply emotional attachment or persistence.