What does “Hold your own” mean?
"Hold your own" means to be able to take care of oneself and handle a situation independently.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's a strong and independent person who can hold his own in any situation.
Example
She doesn't need anyone's help, she can hold her own just fine.
Example
In a competitive industry, it's important to be able to hold your own and stand out from the crowd
Is “Hold your own” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Hold your own” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Hold your own” effectively in context?
You can use "Hold your own" to describe someone's ability to take care of themselves and handle a situation independently. It emphasizes self-sufficiency and the ability to stand up for oneself. For example, if someone is confident and capable in any situation, you might say, 'He's a strong and independent person who can hold his own in any situation.'
- 1Personal Strength
She doesn't need anyone's help, she can hold her own just fine.
- 2Independence
In a competitive industry, it's important to be able to hold your own and stand out from the crowd.
- 3Self-Reliance
He's not afraid to speak up for himself and hold his own in a debate.
Similar phrases to “Hold your own”:
Be self-reliant
To depend on oneself and not rely on others for support or assistance
Example
He learned to be self-reliant and take care of his own needs.
To be free from outside control or influence and able to make one's own decisions
Example
She values her independence and enjoys doing things on her own.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Hold your own” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Hold your own" is unknown.
Is “Hold your own” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Hold your own" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone's ability to be self-sufficient and handle situations independently.
What tone does “Hold your own” have?
"Hold your own" conveys a tone of strength and confidence. It is used to describe someone who is capable and able to handle themselves in various situations.
Can “Hold your own” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Hold your own" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes personal strength and independence. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's a strong and independent person who can hold his own in any situation.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "hold your own"!' to imply readiness to handle a situation independently.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- be self-sufficient
- be self-supporting
- be self-standing
- be self-contained
- be self-reliant
Antonyms
- depend on others
- rely on others
- need assistance
- require support
- be reliant
