hold onverb

• 1

  To grasp or grip firmly.

  • Hold on tightly to the railing.
• 2

  To keep; to store something for someone.

  • Hold on to my umbrella while I ride the roller coaster.
• 3

  To retain an advantage.

  • I'm holding on to my trump cards until I really need them.
• 4

  Wait a short while.

  • Hold on while I get my coat.
  • The departure was not unduly prolonged. In the road Mr. Love and the driver favoured the company with a brief chanty running. “Got it?—No, I ain't, 'old on,—Got it? Got it?—No, 'old on sir.”
• 5

  To remain loyal.

  • He didn't give up his fandom when others did; he held on.
• 6

  To persist.

  • This trade held on for many years.
  • That scare aside, Wolves had little trouble in holding on for their first league away win of the season and their first over the Reds since little-known striker Steve Mardenborough gave them a victory at Anfield in January 1984.