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hold down

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hold down something

also hold something down

to succeed in keeping something He's never been able to hold down a steady job. The film held down second place in the top five movies over the last weekend.

See also: down, hold

hold down

1. Also, keep down. Limit, restrain, as in Please hold down the noise. [First half of 1500s] Also see keep down.

2. Work at or discharge one's duties satisfactorily, as in He managed to hold down two jobs at the same time. [Colloquial; 1800s]

See also: down, hold

hold down

v.

1. To push down on something to prevent it from moving or shifting: Hold down the rug while we move the furniture. I held the clothes down so the suitcase would close.

2. To prevent someone or something from advancing: Once that team gets going, you can't hold them down. Don't hold down everyone else just because you're tired.

3. To limit the amount or level of something: Please hold the noise down. Hold down the music.

4. To keep a job for an extended period of time: My cousin can't seem to hold down a job for more than a few months. If I could hold a job down, I wouldn't be broke.

5. To digest food successfully: I'm so sick, I haven't been able to hold down anything. If you eat slowly, maybe you can hold your food down.

See also: down, hold