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

The court’s mini “Cuba docket” offers us unexpected insights about Justice Elena Kagan, the only justice to hold the line on both cases, including her first-ever solo dissent in her 16 years on the bench.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2026

Regional theaters such as Seattle Rep, the Guthrie, the Goodman and Baltimore Center Stage remained committed to their missions while New York nonprofit companies continued to hold the line off-Broadway.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

The team at the lab, "they hold the line, and we want them to, because ultimately, if we don't make safe products, we'll never sell reactors," she said.

From Barron's • Jun. 28, 2026

"It shows how quickly we can adapt, how we can hold the line and how much we can develop," he says.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

From both sides of the street, the crowd surged against the spear shafts while the gold cloaks struggled to hold the line.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin