hold

hold water (of a statement, theory, or line of reasoning) appear to be valid, sound, or reasonable.

no holds barred no rules or restrictions apply in a particular conflict or dispute.

☞ No holds barred was originally a phrase used in wrestling, where it indicated that there were no restrictions on the kinds of holds used.

put something on hold temporarily defer taking action on or pursuing something.

☞ Originally, to put someone on hold was literally to make them wait for a telephone connection.

☞ For other idioms containing hold, see the entry for the main word in the idiom (for example, hold your horses at horse).