Meaning trap
hold on to
cling to beliefs
to continue believing or supporting an idea, belief, or attitude very strongly, especially when it is difficult to do so or when others disagree.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to continue believing or supporting an idea, belief, or attitude very strongly, especially when it is difficult to do so or when others disagree.
'hold on to' also has the more basic meaning 'keep something and not give or sell it to anyone else'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Despite all the criticism, she held on to her principles and refused to compromise.
Many people hold on to traditional values, even as society becomes more modern and open-minded.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He holds on his beliefs strongly.
Say: He holds on to his beliefs.
Needs 'to' — 'hold on TO a belief'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Hold on to (hope/belief)' is the natural figurative phrase. The formal version is stiff.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold on to + belief
- hope
- your dreams
- the belief that
- faith
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- hold on to (keep something and not give or sell it to anyone else) — 'hold on to' also has the more basic meaning 'keep something and not give or sell it to anyone else'; this is the advanced sense.