phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb

hold on

to wait briefly

What it means

To wait for a short time, often used to ask someone to pause, especially on the phone. It can also mean to physically grip something tightly so you don't fall or lose it.

Examples

  • Hold on a second, I'll get my coat and join you.
  • Please hold on while I transfer your call to the manager.
  • Hold on tight, the road gets very bumpy from here.
  • She held on to the railing as she climbed the icy steps.

Where it comes from

Inseparable. Very common in spoken English; 'Hold on!' is also used as an exclamation meaning 'wait' or 'I don't agree, let me think'.

Related phrasal verbs

#hang on#wait for#hold up#stand by

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