hold a shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold a shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to photography or drinking, where it refers to taking a photograph or consuming a shot of alcohol. Example: "Before we start the party, let’s hold a shot to celebrate the occasion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He cannot hold a shot.

The Guardian - Sport

Everything has to be quicker: cuts are quicker, you can't hold a shot.

The Guardian - Film

And the same player added Sunderland's fifth after Marshall failed to hold a shot from Darren William.

The Guardian - Sport

He lurked where no other player does, he waited, he sensed opportunity and he pounced to score twice when City's goalie, Joe Hart, could not hold a shot from Franck Rib? or a header from Daniel van Buyten.

The New York Times

He lurked where no other player does, he waited, he sensed opportunity and he pounced to score twice when City's goalie, Joe Hart, could not hold a shot from Franck Ribéry or a header from Daniel van Buyten.

The New York Times - Sports

He doesn't just put the camera in the right place and the right time; he has an intimate understanding of the motivations of his subjects, knowing when to hold a shot, when to push for a reaction and when to make himself invisible.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Woods said there was no creativity necessary at East Lake because the rain-softened greens held a shot once it landed, and shots usually landed with a thud.

The New York Times - Sports

The programme takes that trick from The Office of holding a shot for just a beat after something funny has been said, and mixes it with a sense of slapstick.

The Guardian - Opinion

Adam Barton levelled for Preston after the restart when he pounced on a loose ball after Bartosz Bialkowski failed to hold a Darel Russell shot.

BBC

Villa won it in injury time when Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer failed to hold a Gary Gardner shot and the Austrian bundled the follow-up over the line.

BBC

Thomas Levet shot a one-under-par 71 to hold a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the Spanish Open.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold a shot" in a sports context, ensure it accurately describes a goalkeeper's ability (or inability) to catch or retain a ball. Context is key for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "hold a shot" in contexts where "take a picture" or "capture an image" would be more appropriate. The phrase has specific connotations related to sports or film, and misapplication can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a shot" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of retaining or failing to retain something, such as a ball in sports or a camera angle in film. Ludwig provides examples in support of this.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Film

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold a shot" is a grammatically sound phrase with distinct applications in sports and film. It describes a goalkeeper's ability to retain a ball or a filmmaker's choice to sustain a camera angle. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and provides examples from reputable news and media outlets. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is understood and appropriately used within these specific contexts. When writing, consider whether the context is sports-related (goalkeeping) or film-related (camera technique) to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a photograph

Focuses specifically on the act of taking a picture, emphasizing the photographic aspect rather than the camera's action.

capture an image

Emphasizes the act of recording or seizing a visual moment, highlighting the artistry of taking a picture.

sustain a camera angle

Refers to maintaining a specific viewpoint in film or photography, rather than the act of capturing an image.

maintain a viewpoint

Similar to 'sustain a camera angle', but more broadly applicable to any perspective or position.

endure an impact

Implies withstanding force or pressure, shifting the context away from visual media.

withstand a blow

Strongly suggests resisting a physical attack, further diverging from the original phrase.

take a swig

Implies a quick and casual consumption of a beverage, deviating from the visual or physical resilience contexts.

down a drink

Suggests drinking something quickly or completely, differing from photography or physical endurance.

gulp down

Implies swallowing rapidly, relating to consuming a beverage quickly, which differs from the original meaning.

bear the brunt

Highlights enduring the worst part of something, diverging from both photographic and beverage-related interpretations.

FAQs

What does "hold a shot" mean in sports?

In sports, particularly in the context of goalkeeping, "hold a shot" refers to a goalkeeper's ability to catch and retain possession of the ball after a shot on goal. Failing to "hold a shot" often leads to rebounds and second chances for the opposing team.

How is "hold a shot" used in filmmaking?

In filmmaking, "hold a shot" refers to the technique of keeping a camera focused on a subject for an extended period, often to build tension or emphasize a moment. It's about maintaining the "sustain a camera angle" rather than quickly cutting away.

What are some alternatives to saying a goalkeeper can't "hold a shot"?

If a goalkeeper struggles to "hold a shot", you could say they "struggle to "secure the ball"", or "fail to "retain possession"" after an attempt on goal.

Is "hold a shot" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hold a shot" is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in sports reporting and film discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reputable sources.