hold court

Idioms  

1. Be surrounded by and command the attention of admirers, subordinates, or hangers-on. For example, After a match Judy generally held court in the locker room. This expression alludes to royalty convening courtiers as well as a judge convening a court of law.

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Example Sentences

Bernard, a former associate director of competitor intelligence at General Motors, said the vehicle could hold court with domestic carmakers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

There is a group of Black men who hold court, convening their own salon of sorts, outside of a coffee shop I walk by almost every day.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2024

But as the incumbent, he was given the first speaking slot — and he used it to hold court uninterrupted for nearly an hour.

From New York Times • May 2, 2024

The place had been established in 1991 by Russian immigrant, nuclear physicist and Washington Times columnist Ed Lozansky, who created it as a private club where Russians in and out of Washington could hold court.

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2023

“As my queen commands. Will you hold court today?”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin