hold court

hold court

To be surrounded by (a lot of) people, typically supporters, admirers, or subordinates, and have their full attention. My father was considered one of the leaders in his small town, and he would often hold court with people from the community in our kitchen. The manager makes a point of holding court in the board room once a week to make sure everyone is on the same page.
See also: court, hold
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hold court

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.
See also: court, hold
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

hold court

COMMON If you hold court, you are surrounded by people who listen to what you say because they consider you interesting or important. Ray, as ever, was holding court at the end of the table. She used to hold court in the college canteen, surrounded by a crowd of admirers. Note: This expression is often used to suggest that the person holding court is rather self-important and does not deserve this attention and admiration. Note: `Court' in this expression refers to the court of a king or queen.
See also: court, hold
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

hold court

be the centre of attention amidst a crowd of your admirers.
See also: court, hold
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

hold ˈcourt

(often ironic) be the centre of attention in a group of people who find what you say interesting and amusing: There was Professor Johnson, holding court as usual in the students’ coffee bar.
See also: court, hold
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • any (one) worth (one's) salt
  • pump (one) full of lead
  • pumped
  • raise (some/a few) eyebrows
  • raise some eyebrows
  • cause (some) eyebrows to raise
  • cause eyebrows to raise and cause some raised eyebrows
  • cause raised eyebrows
  • cause some raised eyebrows
  • eyebrow
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LUDLOW: 1.00 Tidal Way, 1.30 Dark Energy, 2.00 Nudge And Nurdle, 2.30 Prince Of Dreams, 3.00 Karazhan, 3.30 Hold Court, 4.00 Lord Navits.
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