take (a)hold

take (a)hold

1. To grasp or seize in one's hands. Take hold of this rope and lower yourself out the window. He took ahold of the box and carried it out of the building.
2. To become settled, established, or in control with great power and tenacity. Panic took hold of the crowd when the gunshot was heard. I'm afraid the cancer has taken ahold of his entire body.
See also: take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take hold

1. Grasp, as in Take hold of this end of the rope. [Late 1500s]
2. Become established, as in The new vines quickly took hold, or This idea will never take hold with the voters. [c. 1300]
See also: hold, take
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

take (a) ˈhold

begin to have complete control over somebody/something; become very strong: Panic took hold of him and he couldn’t move. They managed to get out of the house just before the flames took hold. It is best to treat the disease early before it takes a hold.
See also: hold, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

take hold

1. To seize, as by grasping.
2. To become established: The newly planted vines quickly took hold.
See also: hold, take
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • take hold
  • take hold of
  • take (a)hold of (someone or something)
  • get ahold of (one)
  • skip rope
  • skipping rope
  • have (a)hold of (someone or something)
  • hold of
  • (a)hold of (someone or something)
  • ahold