hold the fort
Meaning
To maintain control of a place or situation and keep things running while others are away.
Origin
Originally literal: a fort is a military outpost. It came to mean “defend/guard this place” and broadened to “keep things going” while someone is absent.
Notes
Common, informal. Often used when someone temporarily takes responsibility for a place, group, or routine while others are away.
Examples
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I need to run to the bank—can you hold the fort for ten minutes?
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While the manager is on vacation, Sarah is holding the fort and keeping the team on track.
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Could you hold the fort at the front desk while I take this call?
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We’re short-staffed today, but we’ll hold the fort until help arrives.
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He held the fort during the crisis and made sure everything stayed calm.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase usually as an imperative or with a subject: “Hold the fort.” / “Can you hold the fort?” / “She held the fort.” Article is typically “the.”
Synonyms
- hold down the fort
- keep things going
- mind the store
- stand in
- keep watch
Antonyms
- abandon post
- leave unguarded