hold the wire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold the wire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructed to physically hold a wire, often in technical or electrical settings. Example: "While I connect the circuit, can you please hold the wire steady?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Hold the wire.

The New Yorker

The wire is not threaded through the fence but attached to it by lightweight clips that hold the wire about a foot from the fence.

The New York Times - Tech

The lady who answered told him to hold the wire, and then advised him that if he called the Remington warehouse on Warren Street, they could tell him where to send the gun.

The New Yorker

We ran the cord through one junction of the structure, leaving the plug on the outside, then we attached the light socket to the end of the cord inside the lamp, using a plastic cable grip to hold the wire and bulb at the right level.

The New York Times

Is Mrs.... Hold the wire just a minute, will you?.... Joan, please take off my best hat...because I don't want you to wear it... Is Mrs. Kent there, please?... No, dear, you're not going to a party, and if you were you couldn't wear my hat... Hello, Mary.

The New Yorker

Hold the wire tightly to keep it bent.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Hold the wires together with fire-retardant vinyl electrical tape and plastic wire nuts.

WikiHow

For an in-line splice, hold the wires so that they overlap end to end.

WikiHow

A pair of pliers will help you hold the wires and bend them precisely.

WikiHow

Have that person hold the wiring while you staple the wiring in place with the staple gun.

WikiHow

Plug the cord into the phone and hold the wires on the other end of the cord to the corresponding ones on the solar panel.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to physically "hold the wire", be specific about the type of wire and the required grip or position to ensure safety and accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "hold the wire" when you actually mean "wait on the line" in a phone conversation, as it can cause confusion. Always consider the physical vs. communicative context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold the wire" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to physically grasp and maintain a wire's position. Ludwig confirms its direct and instructional nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold the wire" is a grammatically sound imperative that primarily instructs someone to physically support or grasp a wire. While it has an older, less common usage of asking someone to wait, it's crucial to consider the context to avoid miscommunication. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used in a mix of technical contexts and older conversations. It appears most frequently in WikiHow and News & Media sources. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding the type of wire and required grip to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep the wire steady

Focuses on maintaining stability rather than just holding.

support the wire

Highlights the act of providing physical support.

keep the wire in place

Similar to 'maintain the wire's position', but more direct.

maintain the wire's position

Emphasizes the act of keeping the wire in a specific place.

temporarily secure the wire

Highlights the wire being secured for a specific and short amount of time.

secure the wire

Implies a more permanent or stable hold.

wait on the line

Replaces "wire" with "line", referring to a phone connection, implying a pause.

hold the line

Similar to "wait on the line", more common idiom.

moment please

A shorter version of asking someone to wait.

can you hold

Asks if someone is able to wait.

FAQs

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

The phrase "hold the wire" can be used when you need someone to physically keep a wire in place. For example, "Can you please hold the wire while I solder it?". It can also mean asking someone to wait on the phone for a brief moment, but is considered old-fashioned in that case.

What's a more modern alternative to "hold the wire" when asking someone to wait on the phone?

Alternatives include "hold the line", "please wait", or "one moment please".

When is it appropriate to use "hold the wire" in a technical context?

Use "hold the wire" when you need someone to physically support or keep a wire steady during a technical procedure like electrical work or crafting. For example: "Hold the wire tightly while I attach the connector".

Is "hold the wire" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hold the wire" is grammatically correct as an imperative phrase, instructing someone to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.