Explanations of several “hold” phrasal verbs, with a printable worksheet.
“Hold” Phrasal Verbs – Definitions
hold (it) against (someone): to ‘hold a grudge’; to stay angry at someone for a long time because of something they did in the past; to blame someone and stay angry at them.
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- I know you’re angry that the police officer gave you a ticket, but don’t hold it against him. He was just doing his job.
- Craig said some really mean things to me on Saturday night, but he was under a lot of stress, so I guess I shouldn’t hold it against him.
hold (x) down: to keep a job
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- Brett has always struggled with addiction. He has never been able to hold down a job for more than a month or two.
hold on (or: hang on): to wait briefly; to “wait a minute”
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- Hold on! I’m talking on the phone right now. I’ll talk to you in a minute.
- I’ll help you with your homework after I finish making dinner. Just hold on a few minutes.
hold out (for): to continue resisting; to continue waiting for something; to refuse to reach an agreement with someone for an extended amount of time (you use “for” when you want to say “why” someone is holding out—for more money, for a better option, etc.)
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- The striking workers are holding out for higher wages. They refuse to return to work until their demands are met.
- The baseball star is refusing to sign a contract with his team. He is holding out for more money.
- I want to buy that new computer, but I think I will hold out until the price comes down a little.
hold up (or: stick up): to steal money from a person, business or bank, usually with a weapon (gun, knife, etc.)
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- The criminal was sent to jail for 10 years for holding up the convenience store.
- I was held up at knifepoint (or gunpoint) last night! It was the most terrifying experience of my life!
“Hold” Phrasal Verbs – Worksheet
Fill in the blanks with the correct words to complete these “hold” phrasal verbs.
1. I don’t think I’m going to renew my contract with the company yet. I think I deserve more money. I know it’s a bit risky ___________________ for more money, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
2. Pat: We’re going to go to the beach now.
David: I just have to write two more sentences in this paper. If you guys can _______________ for two minutes, I’ll go with you.
3. Lilian: What will you do if you lose your job? Do you have anything to fall back on?
Jeff: No, I don’t have a college degree, and I don’t have much work experience. I don’t know what I’ll do. Maybe I’ll ________________ a convenience store!
Lilian: That’s not funny!
4. Last week I made a stupid joke about Claire’s weight when she was talking to the guy she likes. She’s still mad at me. I don’t think she’ll ever forgive me. She’s going to ________ that _________ me for the rest of my life!
5. My mom said that if I can prove that I’m responsible enough to _______________ a job for one year, she’ll buy me a car.
6. Everyone else in the class has agreed to pay $5 to go on the field trip, but Beth still hasn’t agreed. Why is she _______________?
