hold the line

English

Etymology

Probably an allusion to a line of soldiers remaining steadfastly in position during combat.

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU):

  (file)

Verb

hold the line

1. (idiomatic) To firmly maintain one's viewpoint, principles, or situation; to refuse to change one's practices or plans.
   • 1966 Nov. 29, "UN Expected To Hold Line On Red China," The Robesonian (USA), p. 1 (retrieved 29 Aug 2012):

     The UN General Assembly was expected to hold the line again today against seating Red China.

   • 1992 Dec. 9, "Business Loans Up," New York Times (retrieved 29 Aug 2012):

     The quarterly survey . . . said banks were holding the line on lending standards for commercial loans and were more willing to lend to individuals.

   • 2010 July 2, Jay Newton-Small, "Amid a Political Standoff, the Unemployed Still Wait" Time:

     But the GOP lawmakers are happy to take home the news that they have held the line against deficit spending.

References

• “hold the line”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.

See also

• stick to one's guns