Hold on means pause a moment — or grip tight and do not let go. The same two words for both.
The waiting sense is the commoner one in speech, and it is what you say on the phone or across a room when you need a second. Said sharply it becomes an objection, since hold on, that is not what you said is a challenge. The gripping sense is literal and is what you shout on a fairground ride. There is a third and braver sense meaning to endure, as in holding on until help arrives.
1phrasehold onTo wait a moment.
“Hold on a second while I find the number.”
2phrasegripTo grip something tightly.
“Hold on to the rail going down.”
3phrasesurviveTo survive or endure until help comes.
“They had to hold on until the tide turned.”
Also accepted in games: wait
Practised in Phrasal Verbs, A Man Called Ove, Small Talk & Everyday Phrases
First appears in chapter 5 of A Man Called Ove.
Practise this word