hold on

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The phrase "hold on" is a versatile expression in English that can have different meanings depending on the context. Let's break it down:

Basic Meaning:

1. To Hold Firmly: "Hold on" can mean to grip something tightly. For example, if you are on a bus and it is moving, you might be told to "hold on" to the handrail.
2. To Wait: It can also mean to pause or wait for a moment. For instance, if someone is on the phone and you need them to wait while you find something, you might say, "Hold on a moment!"

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "hold on" when you want someone to be patient and wait for a short time.
• It can also be used when you want to remind someone to secure themselves or something.

Examples:

1. Holding Firmly: "Please hold on to the railing while you go down the stairs."
2. Waiting: "Hold on, I’ll be right back with your order."

Advanced Usage:

• In a conversation, if someone is explaining something and you need a moment to think, you might say, "Hold on, I need to process that information."
• "Hold on" can also be used in more figurative ways, such as encouraging someone to keep trying: "Even though it's tough, hold on and don't give up!"

Word Variants:

• Hold on to: This means to keep or retain something. For example, "You should hold on to your dreams."
• Holding on: This refers to the act of continuing to maintain something or waiting patiently.

Different Meanings:

• Persistence: "Hold on" can suggest not giving up, as in "Hold on through the difficult times."
• Request for Patience: It’s often used in phone conversations when the speaker needs the listener to wait: "Hold on while I check that for you."

Synonyms:

• Wait
• Pause
• Grip
• Cling
• Stay

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Hold on tight: This means to grip something very firmly, often used when someone is about to do something exciting or scary.
• Hold on for dear life: This idiom means to hold on very tightly because you are scared or worried.

Summary:

"Hold on" is a useful expression that can mean to grip something tightly or to ask someone to wait.

Academic

Verb

1. retain possession of
   • Can I keep my old stuffed animals?
   • She kept her maiden name after she married
2. hold the phone line open
   • Please hang on while I get your folder
3. be persistent, refuse to stop
   • he persisted to call me every night
   • The child persisted and kept asking questions
4. stop and wait, as if awaiting further instructions or developments
   • Hold on a moment!
5. hold firmly

Synonyms

• keep
• hang on
• hold the line
• persevere
• persist
• hang in
• stop
• grasp