1. Home
2. Idioms
3. hold own

hold own

---

---

hold one's own

to do as well as anyone else. I can hold my own in a footrace any day. She was unable to hold her own, and she had to quit.

See also: hold, own

hold your/its own

to prove that you or something is as good as others She can hold her own in any debate on religion. Our cotton shirts can hold their own against shirts costing $40 or more.

Usage notes: often said about a competitive situation

See also: hold, own

hold your own

to be as successful as other people or things in a situation She can hold her own in any debate on religion. (often + against ) The French franc held its own against the D-mark.

See also: hold, own

hold (one's) own

To do reasonably well despite difficulty or criticism.

See also: hold, own