(a)hold of (someone or something)
(a)hold of (someone or something)
1. Literally, a grip on someone or something. The police officer got ahold of the suspect before he could run away. My sister had ahold of me at our mother's funeral to keep herself from breaking down in tears.
2. Successful contact and communication with someone. I wasn't able to get ahold of my brother over the weekend, I hope he's OK.
3. Total control, influence, or power over someone. Well, once corporations get ahold of a politician, it's easy to predict where that senator's or congressperson's interests will lie. Addiction seems to have completely gotten ahold of John.
4. Captivation of someone's attention, interest, or imagination. Her latest novel got ahold of me and didn't let go until I'd read it cover to cover.
See also: of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
*(a)hold of someone or something
1. Lit. [get/have] a grasp of someone or something. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; take ~.) I got hold of him and dragged him back from the edge just in time. I took ahold of his hand and held on tight.
2. Fig. [get/have] contact with someone or something; [get/have] the location of someone or something. (*Typically: get ~.) I got hold of a replacement part in Peoria. They are shipping it to us today. Try to get ahold of a plumber, would you?
3. Fig. [get/have] contact with someone or a group on the telephone. (*Typically: get ~.) I got hold of her just as she was going out the door. I was able to get ahold of the factory and cancel the order.
See also: hold, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- ahold
- have (a)hold of (someone or something)
- hold of
- get ahold of (one)
- rip (someone or something) to bits
- rip apart
- rip somebody/something apart/to shreds, bits, etc.
- rip (someone or something) apart
- ripping
- rip to