H

[hold a candle to] also [hold a stick to]  {v. phr.}

To be fit to be compared with; be in the same class with. — A trite phrase used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences.

* /Henry thought that no modern ball club could hold a candle to  […]

[hold all the trumps]  {v. phr.}

To have the best chance of winning; have all the advantages; have full control.

Most of the team wants John for captain and he is the best player. He will he elected captain because he holds all the trumps.

*  […]

[hold back]  {v.}

1. To stay back or away; show unwillingness.

The visitor tried to gel the child to come to her, but he held back.

John held back from social activity because he felt embarrassed with people.

2. To keep someone in place;  […]

[hold court]  {v. phr.}

1. To hold a formal meeting of a royal court or a court of law.

Judge Stephens allowed no foolishness when he held court.

2.  {informal}

To act like a king or queen among subjects.

* /Even at sixteen, Judy was holding court  […]

[hold down]  {v.}

1. To keep in obedience; keep control of; continue authority or rule over.

Kings used to know very well how to hold down the people.

2.  {informal}

To work satisfactorily at.

[hold everything]

See: [HOLD IT].

[hold fire]

See: [HOLD ONE'S FIRE].

[hold forth]  {v.}

1. To offer; propose.

As a candidate, Jones held forth the promise of a bright future.

2. To speak in public; preach. — Usually used with little respect.

[hold good]  {v.}

1. To continue to be good; last.

The coupon on the cereal box offered a free toy, but the offer held good only till the end of the year.

Attendance at the basketball games held good all winter.

2. To continue; endure: last.

 […]

[hold it] or [hold everything]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

To stop something one is doing or getting ready to do. — Usually used as a command.