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

“I didn’t pencil in any cuts” next year, he said, because the Fed is going to have to maintain downward pressure “just to hold the line” on inflation.

From MarketWatch

Following a series of tense exchanges between the two men, Findlay said to Offord: "You sent me a message five weeks ago: 'let's hold the line'. What happened?"

From BBC

But oil-producing nations held the line that they should be allowed to use their fossil fuel resources to grow their economies.

From BBC

He, with the support of most of his colleagues on the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee, held the line until September.

From MarketWatch

Distributors, including YouTube TV, have tried to hold the line on prices, cognizant that their customers are tired of ever-escalating monthly bills.

From Los Angeles Times