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[hold off]  {v.}

1a. To refuse to let (someone) become friendly.

The president's high rank and chilly manner held people off.

Compare: [KEEP AT A DISTANCE].

1b. To be rather shy or unfriendly.

* /Perkins was a scholarly man who held off from  […]

[hold on]  {v.}

1. To keep holding tightly; continue to hold strongly.

As Ted was pulling on the rope, it began to slip and Earl cried, "Hold on, Ted!"

Syn.: [HANG ON].

2. To wait and not hang up a telephone; keep a phone for later use.

* /Mr.  […]

[hold one's breath]  {v. phr.}

1. To stop breathing for a moment when you are excited or nervous.

The race was so close that everyone was holding his breath at the finish.

2. To endure great nervousness, anxiety, or excitement.

* /John held his  […]

[hold one's end up] or [hold up one's end] or [keep one's end up] or [keep up one's end]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

To do your share of work; do your part.

Mary washed the dishes so fast that Ann, who was drying them, couldn't keep her end up.

* /Susan  […]

[hold one's fire] or [hold fire]  {v. phr.}

To keep back arguments or facts; keep from telling something.

Tow could have hurt Fred by telling what he knew, but he held his fire.

* /Mary held fire until she had enough information to convince the  […]

[hold one's head up]  {v. phr.}

To show self-respect; not be ashamed; be proud.

[hold one's horses]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

To stop; wait; be patient. — Usually used as a command. May be considered rude.

[hold one's nose to the grindstone]

See: [KEEP ONE'S NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE].

[hold one's own]  {v. phr.}

To keep your position; avoid losing ground; keep your advantage, wealth, or condition without loss.

Mr. Smith could not build up his business, but he held his own.

The team held its own after the first quarter.

*  […]

[hold one's peace]  {v. phr.},  {formal}

To be silent and not speak against something; be still; keep quiet.

I did not agree with the teacher, but held my peace as he was rather angry.

Compare: [HOLD ONE'S TONGUE]