hold the line — to maintain one's position and not retreat; to wait on the telephone
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to maintain one's position and not retreat; to wait on the telephone
Pronunciation (IPA): /hoʊld ðə laɪn/
Example Sentences
- The customer service representative asked me to hold the line while she transferred my call to a supervisor who was probably taking a coffee break.
- The company decided to hold the line on salary increases this year due to budget constraints.
- During the zombie apocalypse, our hero had to hold the line at the grocery store's candy aisle - priorities matter!
hold the line
NOUN[/hoʊld ðə laɪn/]
to maintain one's position and not retreat; to wait on the telephone
The defenders hold the line as enemy waves crash against their shields.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originates from military terminology, where 'hold the line' literally meant to maintain a defensive position on the battlefield without retreating. The expression evolved from 18th-century military strategy and gradually extended metaphorically to describe perseverance or resistance in any challenging situation, including telephone communication ('hold the line' while waiting) and general endurance contexts.
Breakdown
hold (maintain, retain) + the line (a defensive position, battle formation). The 'line' refers to soldiers positioned in formation, while 'hold' conveys the action of maintaining that formation against opposing forces.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The customer service representative asked me to hold the line while she transferred my call to a supervisor who was probably taking a coffee break.”
“The company decided to hold the line on salary increases this year due to budget constraints.”
“During the zombie apocalypse, our hero had to hold the line at the grocery store's candy aisle - priorities matter!”
“The defense minister urged troops to hold the line against the advancing forces.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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