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

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

The Indian economy is less dependent on exports compared with countries such as Japan and South Korea, which has allowed New Delhi to hold the line in trade negotiations with Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal

Businesses are expected to hold the line until they get a better sense of whether the economy shows more improvement.

From MarketWatch

Businesses are expected to hold the line until they get a better sense of whether the economy shows more improvement.

From MarketWatch