hold hostage

hold (one) hostage

To keep one somewhere without their permission or consent, as in a robbery or similar situation. Yeah, but if the bank robbers start holding civilians hostage, we'll have a much bigger crisis on our hands.
See also: hold, hostage
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hold someone hostage

to keep someone as a hostage. The terrorists planned to hold everyone hostage in the airplane. My neighbor was held hostage in his own home by a robber.
See also: hold, hostage
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • hold (one) hostage
  • against (one's) will
  • against one's will
  • against will
  • against your will
  • disguise (someone or oneself) in (something)
  • disguise in
  • catch (one) in the act of (doing something)
  • hold feet to the fire
  • hold someone's feet to the fire
References in periodicals archive
Islamabad -- Pakistani ambassador to Bahrain Javed Malik has said that sit-in of only some thousands people cannot hold hostage the mandate of 200 million people.
Dharna of some thousands people can not hold hostage mandate of 200 million people', he said this in a statement issued here .
Dharna of only some thousands people can not hold hostage mandate of 200 million people: Pakistan ambassador to Bahrain