Hold sway Meaning in English
expression
ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈsweɪ
HOHLD SWAY
hˈəʊld/ /swˈeɪ
HOHLD SWAY
Definition
To have power, control, or great influence over people or a situation.
Usage & Nuances
This is a formal/literary idiom, not used in casual speech. Often used about leaders, organizations, or ideas that have significant impact. Usually followed by 'over'. Avoid using it for physical actions.
Spanish: tener influencia - dominar - ejercer controlPortuguese (BR): exercer influência - dominar - comandarPortuguese (PT): exercer influência - dominar - comandarChinese (Simplified): 掌控 - 支配 - 影响Chinese (Traditional): 掌控 - 支配 - 影響Hindi: प्रभाव रखना - नियंत्रण रखना - दबदबा होनाArabic: يسيطر - يحكم - يهيمنBengali: প্রভাব বিস্তার করা - কর্তৃত্ব রাখাRussian: владычествовать - иметь влияниеJapanese: 支配する - 大きな影響力を持つVietnamese: chi phối - có ảnh hưởng lớnKorean: 지배하다 - 영향력을 행사하다Turkish: hakim olmak - etkili olmakUrdu: اثر و رسوخ رکھنا - غلبہ ہوناIndonesian: menguasai - memegang pengaruh
Example Sentences
The king held sway over the land for many years.
basic
Tradition still holds sway in this small village.
basic
The new manager holds sway over company policies.
basic
For centuries, superstition held sway over people's beliefs.
natural
Even today, old myths hold sway in some corners of society.
natural
Social media influencers hold sway over what’s popular among teens.
natural