close hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close hold" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means to keep something secret or confidential. Example: The company's new product release was kept on close hold until the official launch date.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"There was a time when it was a very, very close hold.

The Guardian

Hold me close, hold me close and don't let me go Hold me close like I'm someone that you might know Hold me close, the darkness just lets us see Who we are I've got your life inside of me.

Huffington Post

"They said, 'you might want to get in the chair as soon as possible...we've got OBL, and this is close hold,' which is White House parlance for top secret.

Huffington Post

Like any father, I wish I could take my son's place in all of life's harrowing rides, but I settle for what I can do: sit close, hold his hand, and tighten his buckle as we steel ourselves for whatever sudden twists and turns await around the bend.

Huffington Post

If they come too close hold (yes, HOLD) B button to hit them twice.

WikiHow

Keep this close hold".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It's all underneath her as she pulls them close, holding them tenderly, whispering sweet nothings.

The New Yorker

"I don't think of them as particularly close held," Mr. Rumsfeld said of the reviews.

The New York Times

Something about an alien environment makes you huddle a little closer, hold the corner of your father's coat a little tighter, ask questions with more intensity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jeff Williams allowed four runs in the ninth, and Shaw one before the Dodgers closer held on for his 36th save.

The New York Times - Sports

Talk story about a party given to promote furniture sales at B. Altman's, at the store after store closing, held around Her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close hold" when describing the need to maintain strict confidentiality, especially regarding sensitive information or strategic plans. This implies a deliberate effort to prevent leaks and unauthorized access.

Common error

Avoid using "close hold" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal and somewhat serious tone is better suited for professional or official communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close hold" functions primarily as a noun phrase or an adjective modifying another noun, often referring to information or plans. It signifies the act of maintaining strict confidentiality. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science & Research

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close hold" is a grammatically sound and formally registered term, primarily used to emphasize the need for secrecy and confidentiality. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. Its function involves specifying the need to maintain strict confidentiality, often with sensitive information. Though not overly frequent, the phrase appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings. When the situation needs, consider alternative expressions such as "keep secret", or "maintain confidentiality", for similar implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep secret

Focuses on maintaining confidentiality.

maintain confidentiality

Highlights the act of preserving sensitive information.

top secret

Indicates the highest level of classification and secrecy.

highly confidential

Emphasizes the sensitive nature of the information.

strictly confidential

Stresses the importance of maintaining secrecy.

keep under wraps

Suggests concealing something from public knowledge.

hold back

Implies restraining or withholding information or resources.

control tightly

Emphasizes strict management and restriction.

exercise discretion

Highlights the use of careful judgment to protect sensitive matters.

manage carefully

Focuses on handling something with precision and control.

FAQs

What does the term "close hold" mean?

The term "close hold" refers to maintaining strict secrecy or confidentiality, especially concerning sensitive information or strategic plans. It indicates a deliberate effort to prevent leaks and unauthorized access.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "close hold"?

It's appropriate to use "close hold" in professional or official communications, particularly when discussing topics that require discretion and restricted access. Avoid using it in casual or informal conversations.

What are some alternatives to saying "close hold"?

You can use alternatives like "keep secret", "maintain confidentiality", or "top secret" depending on the context.

Is "close hold" formal or informal?

The phrase "close hold" is generally considered formal and is best suited for professional, governmental, or military contexts where maintaining secrecy is crucial. It is less appropriate for casual conversation.