to keep something and not let anyone else have it, often because it is valuable or important to you.
I think I'll hold on to my old phone for a bit longer.
A: Are you going to sell your bike? B: No, I want to hold on to it for now.
If I won a large amount of money, I would probably hold on to most of it instead of spending it right away.
Common mistake
✗You should hold on it.
✓You should hold on to it.
This sense needs 'to' — 'hold ON TO something'.
Tell it apart
Hold on to the receipt.
keep it
Hold on to the rail.
grip it physically
Use 'hold on to' when you want to say you are keeping something, especially when others might want it or you could give it away.Not the same as 'hold on' (wait) or 'hold' (carry or support).
to continue believing or supporting an idea, belief, or attitude very strongly, especially when it is difficult to do so or when others disagree.
Despite all the criticism, she held on to her principles and refused to compromise.
A: Do you still believe things will improve? B: Yes, I have to hold on to that hope, even when it seems unlikely.
Many people hold on to traditional values, even as society becomes more modern and open-minded.
Common mistake
✗He holds on his beliefs strongly.
✓He holds on to his beliefs.
Needs 'to' — 'hold on TO a belief'.
Tell it apart
She held on to hope.
kept believing
She held on to the letter.
physically kept it
'Hold on to' in this sense is used to stress emotional attachment or resistance to changing one's beliefs, attitudes, or hopes. It is common in both spoken and written English, especially in discussions about values or change.Unlike the B1 sense, which is about physically or practically keeping an object, this sense is figurative and refers to maintaining beliefs, attitudes, or hopes, often despite challenges.