Hold on to: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you physically or emotionally grasp something or someone tightly, or when you insist on a belief or idea.

• Hold on to the railing so you don't fall
• She held on to her dream despite the challenges

General term used for maintaining possession of something. It can be used in various contexts, not necessarily implying effort or attachment.

• Can you keep this book for me? She keeps her promises

Typically used in formal situations to indicate preserving or continuing to have something. It often suggests effort or intention behind the action.

• He managed to retain his position at the company
• The sponge retains water

Often implies a desperate or needy attachment, either physically or emotionally. It can have negative connotations.

• The child clung to his mother when they entered the new school
• He clings to the past and refuses to move on

Use when talking about keeping or retaining something, either physically or emotionally.

• Please hold on to my keys while I go inside.
• She needs to hold on to her beliefs despite the criticism.

Common and neutral word for asking someone to delay action or to remain in a place until a certain event occurs.

• Wait here while I go get the car.
• We had to wait for an hour at the restaurant.

Used when asking for a temporary stop in an action, often to think, reflect, or wait for a moment.

• Let’s pause the video here and discuss what we've seen.
• She paused for a moment before answering the question.

Informal, used when asking someone to wait or to cling to something firmly. Often used in conversation.

• Hang on, I'll be right back.
• Hang on tight while we go around the corner on the bike.