hold the line

phrase

: to maintain the current position or situation
hold the line on prices

Examples of hold the line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias vowed to hold the line on property taxes if elected Chicago mayor, saying instead the path to righting the city’s fiscal ship goes through Springfield. — Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The glasses will continue to proliferate, undoubtedly, but establishments like Basement are holding the line. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026 This inhibits collective action because each country, offered selective relief in some cases, has reason to cut its own deal rather than hold the line with the others. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 That's where buyers stepped up in force during the March and April lows and held the line both times. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hold the line

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hold the line was in 1940

Rhymes for hold the line

See All Rhymes for hold the line

Browse Nearby Words

hold the fort
hold the line
hold the mayo
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hold the line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20the%20line. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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