Hold onto Meaning in English
expression
ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈɑntu/, /ˈɔntu
HOHLD-ON-too or HOHLD-AHN-too
hˈəʊld/ /ˈɒntʊ
HOHLD-ON-tuh
Definition
To keep holding something firmly so you do not lose it, or to keep something and not get rid of it.
Usage & Nuances
Often used both literally ('hold onto the rail') and figuratively ('hold onto hope'). Informal and common in conversation. Frequently used with possessions, emotions, ideas, or people. Not the same as 'hold on', which mainly means to wait or pause.
Spanish: aferrarse a - guardarPortuguese (BR): agarrar - guardarPortuguese (PT): agarrar - guardarChinese (Simplified): 抓住 - 保留Chinese (Traditional): 抓住 - 保留Hindi: पकड़े रहना - संभाल कर रखनाArabic: يتمسك بـ - يحتفظ بـBengali: ধরে রাখা - ধরে রাখোRussian: удерживать - держаться заJapanese: しっかり持つ - 持ち続けるVietnamese: giữ chặt - giữ lạiKorean: 꽉 잡다 - 간직하다Turkish: tutmak - bırakmamakUrdu: پکڑے رکھنا - سنبھال کر رکھناIndonesian: memegang erat - mempertahankan
Example Sentences
Please hold onto the handrail when you use the stairs.
basic
I want to hold onto these photos forever.
basic
Hold onto your ticket for the return trip.
basic
It's hard to hold onto hope when things get tough.
natural
I can't believe you still hold onto that old sweater!
natural
Just hold onto me if you're scared.
natural