Meaning of hold the line | Babel Free

Definitions

To firmly maintain one's viewpoint, principles, or situation; to refuse to change one's practices or plans.

idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“The UN General Assembly was expected to hold⟳ the line again today against seating Red China.”

“The quarterly survey . . . said banks were holding the line on lending standards for commercial loans and were more willing to lend⟳ to individuals.”

“Think⟳ of our heroes: the Silent Step, who defeated a nation with a single shot. Or the Ever Alert, who kept armies at bay with hidden facts. These giants do not seem to give⟳ us solace here, but they are not all that we are. Before the network, there was the fleet. Before diplomacy, there were soldiers. Our influence⟳ stopped the rachni, but before that, we held the line. Our influence⟳ stopped the krogan, but before that, we held the line! Our influence⟳ will stop⟳ Saren! In the battle today, we will hold⟳ the line!”

“But the GOP lawmakers are happy to take⟳ home the news that they have⟳ held the line against deficit spending.”

“So you put⟳ your finger on how complicated and complex this relationship is, but we have⟳ to hold⟳ the line. I mean⟳, on matters of national security, particularly things like⟳ artificial intelligence semiconductors, which, we are way ahead of China, and they want⟳ in order⟳ to expand⟳/improve⟳ their military- there can be no room for compromise.”

“Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham pulled no punches in March⟳ 20's Transport⟳ for the North board⟳ meeting in Leeds. He wants rid⟳ of Avanti West Coast. And he may yet get⟳ his way, although ministers in London are holding the line at the moment.”

CEFR level