B1hold on for a moment/minute/secondspokeninformalMost common
to wait for a short time, often used when asking someone to pause or not to go ahead yet.
Hold on, I'll check if he's in his office.
A: Can you give me the address? B: Hold on, let me find it.
In my last job, I often had to ask customers to hold on while I looked up their information.
Common mistake
✗Hold on the line, I'll get her.
✓Hold on, I'll get her. / Hold the line, please.
Bare 'hold on' = wait; 'hold the line' is the phone-specific version (no 'on').
Tell it apart
Hold on — I'll be right there.
wait a moment
Hold on tight!
grip firmly
Often used on the phone or in conversation when you need someone to wait a little.Not the same as 'hold onto', which means to keep something and not let go.
to continue trying or not give up, especially when facing challenges or adversity.
Despite the setbacks, she managed to hold on and eventually completed her degree.
A: Things have been really tough at work lately. B: I know, but just hold on a bit longer—things will get better.
In times of economic uncertainty, it is crucial for small businesses to hold on and adapt to changing circumstances.
Common mistake
✗Hold on yourself, help is coming.
✓Hold on, help is coming. / Just hold on.
This sense is intransitive — 'hold on' (= endure), with no reflexive object.
Tell it apart
Hold on — we're nearly there.
keep going / endure
Hold on a second.
wait briefly
'Hold on' in this sense is used in both spoken and written English to encourage perseverance, especially in challenging situations. It is neutral in register, but may sound informal in very formal writing.This sense is figurative and refers to not giving up, unlike the B1 sense, which simply means to wait briefly. Here, 'hold on' is about enduring or persisting, not pausing.