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hold on to — 2 meanings

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

phrasal verb2 meanings
hold on to
1keep something and not give or sell it to anyone else2cling to beliefs

Meaning 1 · most common

keep something and not give or sell it to anyone else

  • hold on to sth

to keep something and not let anyone else have it, often because it is valuable or important to you.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I think I'll hold on to my old phone for a bit longer.

A: Are you going to sell your bike?
B: No, I want to hold on to it for now.

Common mistake

Not: You should hold on it.

Say: You should hold on to it.

This sense needs 'to' — 'hold ON TO something'.

More on “keep something and not give or sell it to anyone else”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I won a large amount of money, I would probably hold on to most of it instead of spending it right away.

Tell it apart

Hold on to the receipt.

  • keep it

Hold on to the rail.

  • grip it physically

Goes with

  • hold on to + thing
Practice saying this
Next meaning: cling to beliefs

Meaning 2

cling to beliefs

  • hold on to belief/principle/idea/hope

to continue believing or supporting an idea, belief, or attitude very strongly, especially when it is difficult to do so or when others disagree.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Despite all the criticism, she held on to her principles and refused to compromise.

A: Do you still believe things will improve?
B: Yes, I have to hold on to that hope, even when it seems unlikely.

Common mistake

Not: He holds on his beliefs strongly.

Say: He holds on to his beliefs.

Needs 'to' — 'hold on TO a belief'.

More on “cling to beliefs”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Many people hold on to traditional values, even as society becomes more modern and open-minded.

Tell it apart

She held on to hope.

  • kept believing

She held on to the letter.

  • physically kept it

Goes with

  • hold on to + belief
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keep something and not give or sell it to anyone elsecling to beliefs