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3. hold on

hold on

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hold on

to be patient. Just hold on. Everything will work out in good time. If you will just hold on, everything will probably be all right.

See also: hold, on

hold on

(to someone or something) Go to hang on (to someone or something).

See also: hold, on

hold on

(spoken)

1. to wait for someone Tell them to hold on, I'll be there in a minute.

Usage notes: often used to tell someone to wait for someone else to answer the telephone: Please hold on, he's on another line.

2. to wait for something Try to hold on while I go and get some help.

Usage notes: usually used to tell someone they must wait although it is difficult to do so

See also: hold, on

hold on

1. Also, hold on to. Maintain one's grip, cling, as in Hold on to your hat in this wind, or The early Christians held on to their beliefs despite strong opposition. [Early 1500s]

2. Continue to do something, persist, as in Please hold on for a while longer. [Late 1800s]

3. Stop, wait, as in Hold on! We can't go past this gate. [Mid-1800s]

4. Remain on a telephone line, as in If you can hold on a minute I'll go and find her. [Late 1800s]

See also: hold, on

hold on

v.

1. To maintain a grip on something; cling to something: I held on to the ledge until someone could pull me to safety. You should hold on to the railing when you walk down the stairs.

2. To persist or persevere: Our organization has managed to hold on through some hard times.

3. To wait for a short time: Hold on; I'll be with you in a moment. The operator asked me to hold on while processing my request.

See also: hold, on