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to hold on
01
to tell someone to wait or pause what they are doing momentarily
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Action verb
Regular
Inseparable
Particle
on
Base verb
hold
Present tense
hold on
3rd person singular
holds on
Present participle
holding on
Past simple
held on
Past participle
held on
Examples
The referee instructed the athletes to hold on while they reviewed the video replay.
02
to continue a course of action despite the difficulties or dangers
Examples
The marathon runner felt exhausted but managed to hold on and finish the race.
03
to continue to keep a firm grip or physical contact with something or someone
Examples
She told her child to hold on to the railing while climbing the stairs.
04
to maintain a connection during a phone call, typically while waiting for someone to return or provide information
Examples
Please hold on, I'll transfer you to the right department.
05
to maintain possession of something
Examples
He decided to hold on to his old car instead of buying a new one.
