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take hold

Idioms  
  1. Grasp, as in Take hold of this end of the rope . [Late 1500s]

  2. Become established, as in The new vines quickly took hold , or This idea will never take hold with the voters . [c. 1300]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Wakamatsu described Freedman’s model of minor league teams as “somewhere between conventional baseball and the Savannah Bananas” and believes the Asian style could take hold in Irvine.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 22, 2026

However, dry conditions remove moisture from vegetation, making it more able to burn and act as fuel for blazes to take hold and spread.

From BBC Jul. 14, 2026

If you’re retired and wondering when or whether to move, treat the decision as a research project — don’t procrastinate or let inertia take hold.

From MarketWatch Jul. 12, 2026

That negative thesis may already be starting to take hold.

From Barron's Jun. 11, 2026

Bessie glided next to him and let Grover take hold of his neck.

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan

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