hold onto

/hoʊld ɒnˈtuː/

phrasal verb★Intermediate◆phrasal verb

◆ What It Really Means

To maintain possession or control of something, often with effort.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically grasp or keep something in contact with one's hands.

Literal Breakdown

holdto grasp or grip+ontoin a position of contact

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of someone tightly gripping an object to prevent it from being taken away or lost.

◈ When to Use

A person might say, 'I need to hold onto my keys so I don't lose them,' emphasizing the importance of keeping them secure.

◉ Cultural Note

This phrase is commonly used in everyday English to express the effort or determination to keep something valuable or important.

informal

To keep possession of something, especially when it is difficult or under pressure.

She managed to hold onto her job despite the company's financial troubles.

He struggled to hold onto his temper during the argument.

💡

Often used when the subject is trying to maintain control or possession of something valuable or important.

Collocations

hold onto somethingkeep possession of somethinghold onto someonekeep a person close or maintain a relationship

hold onphrasal verb

to wait or pause

hold outphrasal verb

to resist or endure

Use 'hold onto' when emphasizing the effort or difficulty in keeping something.

Do not confuse 'hold onto' with 'hold on', which means to wait or pause.

Derived from the combination of the verb 'hold' and the preposition 'onto', emphasizing the action of maintaining possession or control.

This phrasal verb is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as holding onto an object or holding onto hope.

hold

to grasp or keep

verb

onto

in a position of contact or attachment

preposition

English Dictionary