hold the line

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold the line" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to mean "maintain your position" or "persist" despite the pressure of difficult circumstances. For example, "We have faced many challenges this year, but we must hold the line and keep striving for success".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hold the line on taxes.

The New York Times

Hold the line, Chisholm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hold the line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He knew I'd hold the line".

The New York Times

We've got to hold the line".

The New York Times

Mr. Holder must hold the line.

The New York Times

I've tried to hold the line.

The New York Times - Sports

"They are managing to hold the line on costs".

The New York Times

The president can hold the line for now.

The New York Times

The question is how long it can hold the line.

The Economist

But some trash collectors apparently hold the line.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold the line" in a financial context, ensure it aligns with maintaining budget or cost control, not just general perseverance.

Common error

Avoid using "hold the line" when the situation calls for proactive action or innovation; it's best suited for scenarios where maintaining the status quo is the primary goal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hold the line" is as an idiomatic verb phrase. It generally functions as a verb expressing the action of maintaining a position or resisting change, as validated by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold the line" is a common idiomatic verb phrase that signifies maintaining a position, resisting change, or preventing encroachment. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its prevalence in News & Media contexts underscores its role in describing situations where resistance or persistence is crucial. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience to determine if more formal alternatives might be appropriate. When dealing with the phrase "hold the line" ensure that you are not looking for proactive action, instead, you are communicating the intent of maintaining the status quo.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain position

Focuses on the act of keeping one's current placement or status.

stand firm

Emphasizes resolute resistance to pressure or opposition.

stay the course

Highlights the continuation of a chosen path despite difficulties.

remain steadfast

Stresses unwavering commitment and loyalty.

defend the ground

Implies protecting something valuable from being taken away.

resist change

Directly addresses opposition to alteration or modification.

refuse to yield

Emphasizes the act of not giving in to demands or pressure.

keep up the resistance

Focuses on the continuation of opposing a force or influence.

persevere

Highlights continued effort despite difficulty.

withstand pressure

Emphasizes the ability to endure external forces.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold the line" to mean maintaining a position, like: "The company is trying to "hold the line" on rising healthcare costs."

What are some alternatives to "hold the line"?

Alternatives to "hold the line" include phrases like "maintain position", "stand firm", or "stay the course" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "hold the line" in formal writing?

While "hold the line" is widely understood, in formal writing, consider alternatives like "maintain position" or "remain steadfast" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean to "hold the line" in a negotiation?

In a negotiation, to "hold the line" means to maintain your initial stance or demands and "refuse to yield" to the other party's pressure or offers.