hold the line
Meaning
To maintain your position/standard or keep things unchanged despite pressure; also, to stay on the phone and wait.
Origin
From the literal idea of soldiers “holding the line” (maintaining a defensive line) and later extended to resisting pressure. A separate common usage comes from telephone operators telling callers to “hold the line” (don’t hang up).
Notes
Two senses: (1) resist pressure and maintain a stance/standard; (2) remain on the phone and wait. The first is common in business/politics; the second is a set phone phrase.
Examples
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We need to hold the line on prices despite rising costs.
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The senator promised to hold the line against further tax increases.
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Our support team is holding the line until the new software fix is deployed.
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Even after the early losses, the defense held the line and stopped the comeback.
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Investors are waiting to see whether the company can hold the line on its earnings forecast.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually imperative or with a subject: “Hold the line.” / “We held the line on prices.” Often followed by “on + noun” (hold the line on costs/prices/standards). Not *hold a line*.
Synonyms
- stand firm
- hold firm
- stick to your guns
- hold your ground
- stay on the line
Antonyms
- give in
- back down
- cave
- raise prices
- hang up