delicate hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate hold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gentle or fragile grip on something, whether physically or metaphorically. Example: "She had a delicate hold on the fragile vase, ensuring it wouldn't slip from her fingers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Note that a firm but delicate hold is necessary for all gripping styles; too much grip will hamper your release, whereas too little might cause the knife to fly out of your hand prematurely, potentially hurting someone.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For delicate items, hold things up and steam through without elbow grease.

The New York Times - Style

Ms. Sam Sathya, ravishing in her airiness — her back forms a graceful base, her fingers arch like leaves in a windstorm, and her delicate feet hold everything in place — shows how, along with natural talent and resilience, training is everything.

The New York Times - Arts

But detaining children and families proved more delicate than holding lone adults.

The Economist

The suits she wore, the delicate bridges holding her teeth in place — it was all an invention.

The New Yorker

If his surgically repaired knee (plus the rest of his delicate body) holds up, he can easily be a 1,000-yard 1,000-yard

The New York Times

Lee has been tasked with that responsibility in his previous incarnations, both as a member of the DNC online team during the '08 election and as a senior new media adviser with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif .. His new post may require even more D-Calif .hand-holding.

Huffington Post

Although Treg may not be exerting a considerable effect in virally suppressed patients on ART, an increase in the immune response to the virus, such as after administration of a therapeutic vaccine, may tilt this delicate balance held in check by Treg towards a proinflammatory T cell response.

Plosone

Such sweet and delicate touches, can hold the ball; but has had few looks at the goal.

The New York Times

But as any historian of America in World War I well knows, neutrality is a difficult and delicate balance to hold.

The Washington Post

One, a former Brooklyn pipefitter named Ralph Padavano, had lost an arm: he was provided with a special prosthesis, which he helped design, that let him hold delicate watch parts without crushing them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "delicate hold" when describing situations where gentleness and precision are required to avoid damage or loss. For example, "The surgeon maintained a "delicate hold" on the nerve during the procedure".

Common error

Avoid using "delicate hold" when strength and firmness are needed. Overusing this phrase can undermine the sense of security or stability required in certain contexts. Do not use "delicate hold" when the goal is to secure or tightly grasp something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate hold" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "delicate", which modifies the noun "hold", indicating a gentle and careful manner of gripping or handling something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delicate hold" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a gentle and precise grip or handling, often in situations requiring care and attention to avoid damage. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is rare and its register is generally neutral. The phrase is best used when emphasizing the need for a light touch and caution. Alternatives such as "gentle grip" or "light grasp" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid using it when strength is required. Overall, understand the nuances of the situation to ensure the phrase aligns with your intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle grip

Emphasizes the gentleness of the hold.

light grasp

Highlights the minimal pressure applied.

careful handling

Focuses on the attentiveness required in the handling.

fragile grip

Highlights the fragility of what is being held.

tenuous grasp

Indicates a hold that is easily broken.

soft touch

Emphasizes the lack of force used.

gentle embrace

Suggests a tender and protective hold.

controlled grip

Highlights the precision and stability of the hold.

measured grasp

Implies a careful and considered hold.

subtle hold

Indicates a hold that is barely perceptible.

FAQs

How can I use "delicate hold" in a sentence?

You can use "delicate hold" to describe a gentle and precise grip, such as "She maintained a "delicate hold" on the antique teacup to avoid breaking it".

What are some alternatives to "delicate hold"?

Some alternatives include "gentle grip", "light grasp", or "careful handling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "delicate hold" appropriate for describing emotional situations?

Yes, "delicate hold" can be used metaphorically to describe a fragile or precarious emotional state, such as "Their relationship was in a "delicate hold" after the argument".

What's the difference between "delicate hold" and "firm grip"?

"Delicate hold" implies gentleness and precision, while "firm grip" suggests strength and security. The choice depends on whether the context requires careful handling or a strong, unyielding grasp.