hold hard

== English == === Etymology 1 === A verbal phrase composed of the words: hold ("grasp", "grip") and hard ("resistantly", "resolutely", "solidly", "steadfastly"). ==== Verb ==== hold hard (third-person singular simple present holds hard, present participle holding hard, simple past and past participle held hard) (idiomatic, figurative) To stubbornly resist assault, pressure or opposition, either physically or mentally. Synonyms: hold fast, hold firm, hold one's ground, stand firm, stand fast, stand one's ground Antonyms: let go, leave go, leave hold (literal, nautical) A formal command to a ship's crew to grasp and hold on to a solid fitting, such as ropes or rails, to avoid being swept overboard, especially during a storm. Synonym: hold fast === Etymology 2 === A verbal phrase composed of the words: hold ("maintain or keep to a position or state") and hard ("resolutely", "steadfastly"). Originally an expression used in riding or driving, now general. ==== Verb ==== hold hard (third-person singular simple present holds hard, present participle holding hard, simple past and past participle held hard) (UK, dated, Rhode Island, figurative, often imperative) To stop suddenly and remain still. ===== See also ===== stop short stand fast === References === John Camden Hotten (1873), The Slang Dictionary “hold hard”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.