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hold on — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
hold on
wait brieflypersist despite difficulty

Meaning 1 · most common

wait briefly

  • hold on for a moment/minute/second
  • informal
A scene showing “hold on” meaning “wait, don't go yet”.

to wait for a short time, often used when asking someone to pause or not to go ahead yet.

How oftenVery common
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Hold on, I'll check if he's in his office.

A: Can you give me the address?
B: Hold on, let me find it.

Common mistake

Not: Hold on the line, I'll get her.

Say: Hold on, I'll get her. / Hold the line, please.

Bare 'hold on' = wait; 'hold the line' is the phone-specific version (no 'on').

More on “wait briefly”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my last job, I often had to ask customers to hold on while I looked up their information.

Tell it apart

Hold on — I'll be right there.

  • wait a moment

Hold on tight!

  • grip firmly

Goes with

  • hold on + context
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Next meaning: persist despite difficulty

Meaning 2

persist despite difficulty

  • hold on to sth/sb
A scene showing “hold on” meaning “keep trying, don't give up”.

to continue trying or not give up, especially when facing challenges or adversity.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Despite the setbacks, she managed to hold on and eventually completed her degree.

A: Things have been really tough at work lately.
B: I know, but just hold on a bit longer—things will get better.

Common mistake

Not: Hold on yourself, help is coming.

Say: Hold on, help is coming. / Just hold on.

This sense is intransitive — 'hold on' (= endure), with no reflexive object.

More on “persist despite difficulty”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In times of economic uncertainty, it is crucial for small businesses to hold on and adapt to changing circumstances.

Tell it apart

Hold on — we're nearly there.

  • keep going / endure

Hold on a second.

  • wait briefly

Goes with

  • hold on
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wait brieflypersist despite difficulty