hold the course

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold the course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used to mean "to stay focused and determined in the face of difficulty or opposition." For example, you might say, "The company has faced many challenges this year, but we must hold the course if we want to achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We were trying to hold the course until we got everybody back".

The New York Times - Sports

If Athens can hold the course, there is a good chance that the euro zone will agree further to lighten its debt load, which amounts to about 160 percent of G.D.P., by cutting the interest rate and lengthening the maturities of official loans.

The New York Times

Where would you like to hold the course?

Duke University

He said the economic recovery was extremely "delicate", and that it was not possible "to hold the course, politically speaking, unless you anchor government in the centre ground and don't lurch left or right".

BBC

You want someone who can hold the course". The Etiennes, who had a child shortly before launching Cloud9, credit their pairing and work experience for their initial success.

Los Angeles Times

It is hard to hold the course in the middle of a storm, but European policymakers need to if they want European integration to succeed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Hold the courses during work hours.

Harvard Business Review

Cheruiyot holds the course record for the race.

The New York Times

McCarthy holds the course's first endowed chair.

Harvard University

"People are very surprised that he is holding the course at this stage in the game".

The New York Times

She also holds the course record for women at the Boston Marathon in 2 20 43.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold the course" when you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining a consistent strategy or direction, especially when facing challenges or temptations to deviate.

Common error

Avoid using "hold the course" in literal contexts where "course" refers to a physical route or academic class. It's an idiom best suited for strategic persistence or maintaining a chosen path.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold the course" functions as an idiomatic expression, often used as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It conveys the idea of maintaining a consistent strategy or direction, particularly amidst challenges.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold the course" is an idiomatic phrase that means to maintain a chosen path or strategy, especially when facing difficulties. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a grammatically correct and usable expression. Its frequency is classified as uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that this expression suits the idea of steadfastly pursuing a goal or strategy despite any challenges. Alternatives such as "stay the course", "persevere", and "stick to the plan" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay the course

This alternative is nearly synonymous, emphasizing persistence in a chosen path.

persevere

This alternative focuses on continuing despite difficulty, omitting the directional aspect.

maintain direction

This alternative directly addresses the aspect of keeping a specific heading or objective.

stick to the plan

This alternative is more specific, implying adherence to a predetermined strategy.

keep on track

This alternative suggests avoiding deviations and progressing steadily.

remain steadfast

This alternative stresses unwavering commitment and resolve.

keep the faith

This alternative implies maintaining optimism and trust in a positive outcome.

stand firm

This alternative emphasizes resistance to change or opposition.

don't give up

This alternative is a general encouragement to continue despite setbacks, lacking the nuance of direction.

press on

This alternative focuses on making continued progress, without necessarily implying maintaining a specific direction.

FAQs

What does "hold the course" mean?

The phrase "hold the course" means to maintain a chosen path or strategy, especially in the face of difficulty or opposition. It implies steadfastness and a refusal to be diverted.

How can I use "hold the course" in a sentence?

You might say, "Despite the economic downturn, we must "hold the course" with our investment strategy." Or, "The team decided to "hold the course" even though initial results were discouraging."

What are some alternatives to "hold the course"?

Alternatives include "stay the course", "persevere", "stick to the plan", or "maintain direction". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "hold the course" a formal or informal expression?

"Hold the course" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, business reports, and everyday conversation.