hold one’s hand—keep back; refrain from action: She knew when to hold her hand and when to pile on all her strength. hold someone’s hand—give guidance or moral support to a person in a difficult situation: I “held his hand” to the best of my ability with school-girl French and passable Italian.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Hold one’s breath and Save one’s breath
hold one’s breath— 1. be affected by a sudden emotion, such as amazement, delight, etc.: The sky broke like an egg into full sunset and the water caught fire. He held his breath. 2. (coll., often negat.) be waiting impatiently in expectation of smth.: I expect the mail to be delivered soon, but I am […]
Difference between Hold on to something and Hold to something
hold on to something— 1. keep one’s grip on smth.; not let go of smth.: The boy held on to the bush until someone climbed down the cliff to rescue him. 2. not give up the ownership of smth.: Letting your property enables you to hold on to your property and gain an additional income […]
Difference between Hold on to someone and Keep on to someone
hold on to someone—keep one’s grip on a person and not let go: I managed to hold on—perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the fish held on to me—until we had him in the boat. keep on to someone —(also: keep on at someone) 1. reprimand or reproach a person: He kept […]
Difference between Hold on and Keep on
hold on— 1. maintain one’s grip or footing: If a branch is near you, hold on until we can get a rope. 2. continue; last: If the weather holds on, the area should provide excellent hunting the next few days. 3. continue traveling in a certain direction: Hold on down the road until you come […]
Difference between Hold forth on something and Hold forth something
hold forth on something—speak at length about smth.: Mrs. Price was holding forth on the subject of servantdom. hold forth something— 1. expose smth. to view: He held forth the paper on which he had written something. 2. offer or promise smth.: We present ourselves to you as allies who hold forth to you the advantages […]
Difference between Hold book and Keep books
hold book—(Theater) act as the prompter: Moving on to the rehearsal phase, you learn why the stage manager should always hold book. keep books—keep records of money gained and spent: These stores were operated by managers who kept books showing daily gross receipts and cash expenditures.
Difference between Hold back and Keep back
hold back—be slow or unwilling to act; stay in the background: Because of the uncertain state of the market, buyers are holding back. keep back—hold oneself back; stay at a distance from smth.: Keep back so that each man may have a fair view of the pit.
Difference between Hold an appointment and Keep an appointment
hold an appointment—(formal) hold a position or office: A Subaltern Officer is not eligible to hold the appointment of Aide-de-Camp, until he has been present with his Regiment at least two years. keep an appointment—not fail to meet a person after fixing a time and place: Under some pretext or other she would fail to […]
Difference between Hold a trial and Hold court
hold a trial—determine whether an accused person is guilty or innocent by a court of law: If he pleads guilty, there is usually no reason to hold a trial. The court has only to decide what the sentence will be. hold court— 1. hold a session of a judicial assembly: While the court house was […]
Difference between Hold a rein on something and Hold the reins of something
hold a rein on something—check or restrain smth., such as one’s emotions: Age and experience managed to hold a rein on the terror that wanted to overcome her. hold the reins of something—exercise control over smth.: Most were fierce military men and none could hold the reins of power without the support of the army.
Difference between Hold a record for something and Keep a record of something
hold a record for something—show the best result in a particular sport or other activity: The film was written by Francis Veber who holds a record for Hollywood remakes of his movies. keep a record of something—keep a written account of an event, etc. for future reference: We thought it might be useful to keep […]