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 • Feb. 17, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jan. 10, 2026

But distributors, including YouTube TV, have tried to hold the line on prices, cognizant that their customers are tired of seeing their monthly bills continue to rise.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

That’s how you hold the line when you have the fate of millions of lives in your hands.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman