Meaning trap
hold down
keep a job
to manage to keep a job for a period of time, especially when it is difficult or challenging.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to manage to keep a job for a period of time, especially when it is difficult or challenging.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
It's impressive that she can hold down two jobs while studying full-time.
In my opinion, it's not easy to hold down a job and study at the same time, but many students have to do it to support themselves.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She holds down with two jobs.
Say: She holds down two jobs.
'Hold down + job' directly — no 'with'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Hold down a job' is the set phrase. 'Maintain stable employment' is HR-speak.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold down + a job
- a job
- a steady job
- two jobs
- full-time work