hold (one) 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 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 (one's) feet to the fire
  • hold someone's feet to the fire