hold someone’s feet to the fire —(also: keep someone’s feet to the fire) pressure a person to undertake smth. (to make good on a promise, etc.): I’m not going to punch him in the nose, but can’t I hold his feet to the fire in a polite and gentle way? light a fire under someone—(also: […]
Difference between Hold someone up as an example and Make an example of someone
hold someone up as an example—point out smb. as a good example: I was embarrassed when the supervisor held me up as an example of good time-keeping. make an example of someone—punish a person severely as a warning to other people: It was decided to make an example of some of the top conspirators.
Difference between Hold someone up and Keep someone up
hold someone up— 1. support a person physically; hold smb. upright: It took both of us to hold up the old man. 2. rob smb. using violence or threats: In Japan you won’t need to worry too much about being held up in the street and being robbed of your passport. 3. (hyperbolic) overcharge a […]
Difference between Hold out and Keep out
hold out— 1. (of food supplies, etc.) remain available; last: We have to cut our rations to try to make the food hold out till succor comes. 2. (of perishable products) remain fit for consumption or use: How long could the food hold out without refrigeration? 3. refuse to yield or submit: If we could […]
Difference between Hold one’s water and Hold water
hold one’s water— 1. contain one’s urine: Eight hours is a long time to hold one’s water…. It is a comfort to know that one can if really necessary get access. 2. (U.S. sl.; imper.) be patient; stop making repeated requests: “Pass over them glasses will you?” “Just hold your water sailor, you’ll get your […]
Difference between Hold one’s head down and Keep one’s head down
hold one’s head down—(also: hang one’s head down) let one’s head fall forward, usually when feeling sad or ashamed of oneself: This man was drinking booze and holding his head down in despair. He knew that he had wasted a lot of his life… keep one’s head down— 1. = hold one’s head down: When […]
Difference between Hold one’s hand and Hold someone’s hand
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.
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 […]