H
Idioms beginning with "H"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of H:
[hold off] {v.}
1a. To refuse to let (someone) become friendly.
The president's high rank and chilly manner held people off.
Compare: [KEEP AT A DISTANCE].
1b. To be rather shy or unfriendly.
* /Perkins was a scholarly man who held off from […]
[hold on] {v.}
1. To keep holding tightly; continue to hold strongly.
As Ted was pulling on the rope, it began to slip and Earl cried, "Hold on, Ted!"
Syn.: [HANG ON].
2. To wait and not hang up a telephone; keep a phone for later use.
* /Mr. […]
[hold on to] {v. phr.}
1a. or [hold to]
To continue to hold or keep; hold tightly.
When Jane played horse with her father, she held on to him tightly.
The teacher said that if we believed something was true and good we should hold on to it.
[…]
[hold one's breath] {v. phr.}
1. To stop breathing for a moment when you are excited or nervous.
The race was so close that everyone was holding his breath at the finish.
2. To endure great nervousness, anxiety, or excitement.
* /John held his […]
[hold one's end up] or [hold up one's end] or [keep one's end up] or [keep up one's end] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To do your share of work; do your part.
Mary washed the dishes so fast that Ann, who was drying them, couldn't keep her end up.
* /Susan […]
[hold one's fire] or [hold fire] {v. phr.}
To keep back arguments or facts; keep from telling something.
Tow could have hurt Fred by telling what he knew, but he held his fire.
* /Mary held fire until she had enough information to convince the […]
[hold one's head up] {v. phr.}
To show self-respect; not be ashamed; be proud.
When Mr. Murray had paid off his debts, he felt that he could hold his head up again.
[hold one's horses] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To stop; wait; be patient. — Usually used as a command. May be considered rude.
"Hold your horses!" Mr. Jones said to David when David wanted to call the police.
[hold one's nose to the grindstone]
See: [KEEP ONE'S NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE].