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hold on to

hoʊld ɒn tuː

neutral
beginner
Base verb:
hold
Particles:
on to
Separable:
No

What does "hold on to" mean?

  1. To keep something in your possession
  2. To grip something tightly

Examples

  • Hold on to your ticket - you'll need it.
  • She held on to her childhood memories.
  • Hold on to the railing while climbing.
  • He's still holding on to hope.
  • Don't let go - hold on to my hand!

How to use it

Can be literal (gripping) or figurative (keeping memories, hope). Also spelled 'hold onto'.

Similar expressions

keep
retain
grip
cling to

Opposites

let go of
release
discard

Related phrasal verbs

  • hold on

    To wait for a short time

  • hold up

    To delay or slow down something

  • hold back

    To prevent someone or something from advancing

  • hold off

    To delay doing something

  • hold out

    To resist or survive in a difficult situation

  • hold down

    To keep something at a low level

Use it in a practice answer

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