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

See Examples For:

hold court

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

His gender neutral collection with Género Neutral investigates the capacity for clothing to hold court in the castle of high art.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2023

He is said to be another of my unlikely ancestors, and actually did hold court on my family’s estate from time to time.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein