English dictionary: words starting with hold - page 1

idiom

Used to tell someone to stop and consider carefully their decision or opinion about something

Usage examples:

Just hold your horses, bill! let's think about this for a moment.

collocation

To make someone responsible for what they do and demand a satisfactory reason for it

Usage examples:

It is important to hold schools accountable for the performance of all their students., they want h…

phrasal verb

Allow past actions or circumstances to have a negative influence on one's present attitude towards someone.

Usage examples:

He knew that if he failed her, she would hold it against him forever

phrase

To keep someone as a prisoner or make someone a prisoner

Usage examples:

The terrorists were holding several diplomats captive., it's alleged he was abducted from his home …

idiom

To keep your intended actions secret

Usage examples:

You never quite know what barry's going to do next - he keeps his cards very close to his chest.

idiom

Restrain

phrasal verb

Prevent someone from moving by holding them firmly.

Usage examples:

I held him down until the police arrived

idiom

To firmly remain in the same position or keep the same opinion

Usage examples:

The rebels are standing fast and refuse to be defeated., he held fast to his principles.

idiom

Talk at length and formally about a topic

phrasal verb

Talk lengthily, assertively, or tediously about a subject.

Usage examples:

A famous poet was holding forth, surrounded by admiring young writers and critics

idiom

To be very confident and proud

Usage examples:

If you know that you did your best, you can hold your head high.

collocation

If someone holds something in abeyance, they stop it from happening or being used at present

Usage examples:

The criminal charges are held in abeyance until the drug treatment programme is completed., it seem…

noun

The distance down either from the top of something to the bottom, or to a distance below the top surface ...

idiom

Wait before acting

phrasal verb

(of bad weather) fail to occur.

Usage examples:

Fortunately, the rain held off until the evening

phrasal verb

To keep something or someone that is important or useful

Usage examples:

I held onto the tech shares after the stock market fell because i knew they would recover., you sho…

phrase

To catch and guard someone so that they cannot escape

Usage examples:

Of 10,000 troops, 7,000 were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner., the pilot and several passengers …

verb

To take and keep something in your hand or arms

Usage examples:

[ t ] the nurse held the child in her arms., [ i ] hold tight (= firmly) to the railing., [ m ] ros…

phrasal verb

To continue doing something or staying somewhere although it is difficult or unpleasant to do so

Usage examples:

Hold on and i’ll go and get some help.

phrasal verb

To demand that someone act on a promise or agreement

Usage examples:

They’re holding him to the exact terms of the contract.

phrasal verb

Remain united.

Usage examples:

If your party holds together, you will probably win

idiom

Resist or withstand wear, criticism, etc.

phrase

(of a statement, theory, or line of reasoning) appear to be valid, sound, or reasonable.

Usage examples:

This argument just does not hold water

noun

A large rectangular bag with handles and a shoulder strap, used for carrying clothes and other personal belongings.

Usage examples:

‘the smaller one, the one with the shotgun, returned to the exhibition room carrying two holdalls o…

noun

A large rectangular bag with handles and a shoulder strap, used for carrying clothes and other personal belongings.

Usage examples:

‘the smaller one, the one with the shotgun, returned to the exhibition room carrying two holdalls o…

noun

A thing serving to hold something else in place.

Usage examples:

A curtain holdback

noun

A thing serving to hold something else in place.

Usage examples:

A curtain holdback

noun

A device or implement for holding something.

Usage examples:

I replaced the phone in its holder

noun

A device or implement for holding something.

Usage examples:

I replaced the phone in its holder