hold down

Related to hold down: hold down the fort

hold down

1. To physically restrain someone or something against a surface, typically a horizontal one, such as the ground. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "hold" and "down." As a kid, I hated getting shots so much that a nurse usually had to hold me down. Hold down those papers so they don't blow away.
2. To maintain something, often a job. He's never been able to hold down a job, so he'll probably be fired within a week.
3. To limit something. Can you please get the kids to hold down the screaming while I'm on the phone?
4. To be able to digest food without vomiting. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "hold" and "down." I'm surprised that I was able to hold down that disgusting dinner.
5. To limit or restrict someone. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "hold" and "back." Your fears are really holding you down in life. Your relationship is so dysfunctional, though. You guys are really holding each other down.
See also: down, hold
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hold down

1. Also, keep down. Limit, restrain, as in Please hold down the noise. [First half of 1500s] Also see keep down.
2. Work at or discharge one's duties satisfactorily, as in He managed to hold down two jobs at the same time. [Colloquial; 1800s]
See also: down, hold
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

hold down

v.
1. To push down on something to prevent it from moving or shifting: Hold down the rug while we move the furniture. I held the clothes down so the suitcase would close.
2. To prevent someone or something from advancing: Once that team gets going, you can't hold them down. Don't hold down everyone else just because you're tired.
3. To limit the amount or level of something: Please hold the noise down. Hold down the music.
4. To keep a job for an extended period of time: My cousin can't seem to hold down a job for more than a few months. If I could hold a job down, I wouldn't be broke.
5. To digest food successfully: I'm so sick, I haven't been able to hold down anything. If you eat slowly, maybe you can hold your food down.
See also: down, hold
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • orient
  • orient to
  • orient to (something)
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
  • spiff up
  • spiffed up
  • back into
  • back into (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
(c) because its low prices have helped hold down inflation.
Wal-Mart nation? Its size, power, and low prices have helped make it an American success story. So why are some people today so fearful of War-Mart?
To show only unread messages in Outlook Express, hold down Command + Y.
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The more rapid advances in productivity also continue to help contain costs and hold down underlying price pressures.
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TO PLAY AS THE MECH ZANGIEF - highlight Blackheart on the character screen and then hold down SELECT and press any button.
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"He was able to hold down two jobs, but unfortunately it appears it may have all been too much for him.
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While rebooting, hold down the command and option keys simultaneously.
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Jim Cooper would rely on competition among the health plans for members to hold down prices and would not guarantee universal access; Starr's and, later, Clinton's plan would guarantee access and would impose a "global budget" to attempt to hold down overall prices.
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Several even younger tappers hold down the fort at the funkier Deanna's.
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As a result, they often miss opportunities to hold down costs.
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The sale of those two stores and the closure of a third have helped hold down sales gains this year at the 95-unit chain.
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Recording without having to continuously hold down the record button can be super helpful in some scenarios, like cooking or showing off a new makeup tutorial.
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When those times come, here's a simple reminder: After manually powering down the robot, press, but do not hold down, the OCU power button.
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Councillors who dare to hold down jobs as well as serving their communities should not have to apologise.
Peanut job?