Meaning trap
hold down
keep a job
to manage to keep a job for a period of time, especially when it is difficult or challenging.
phrasal verbB2occasional
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
keep a job
to manage to keep a job for a period of time, especially when it is difficult or challenging.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- It's impressive that she can hold down two jobs while studying full-time.work
- In my opinion, it's not easy to hold down a job and study at the same time, but many students have to do it to support themselves.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: hold down + (a/the) job
WrongShe holds down with two jobs.
RightShe holds down two jobs.
'Hold down + job' directly — no 'with'.
Patternhold down + (a/the) job
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Hold down a job' is the set phrase. 'Maintain stable employment' is HR-speak.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold down + a joba joba steady jobtwo jobsfull-time work
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'hold a job', which simply means to have a job. 'Hold down' suggests effort or difficulty.