hold the line

Idioms  

1. Maintain the existing position or state of affairs. For example, We'll have to hold the line on spending until our profits rise. This term alludes to former military tactics, in which a line of troops was supposed to prevent an enemy breakthrough. Eventually, it was transferred to civilian enterprises. [Mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

This increased European backing has helped Ukraine hold the line.

From The Wall Street Journal

After holding the line on prices for several months, companies—big and small—have begun a new round of increases, in some cases by high-single-digit percentage points.

From The Wall Street Journal

When I sued my medical providers in 2023, holding the line between helping and enabling was my aim.

From The Wall Street Journal

One issue on which she is so far holding the line is on repealing the state’s right-to-work law that lets workers choose whether or not to join a union.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Metabolic signals shape whether neurons hold the line or begin to break down."

From Science Daily