The phrase "holding good" is commonly used to indicate that something remains valid or effective. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with each word being pronounced with its usual sounds. "Holding" is pronounced /ˈhoʊldɪŋ/, with the stress on the first syllable and a clear L sound in the middle. "Good" is pronounced /ɡʊd/, with a short U sound followed by a voiced D sound. Together, these words form a simple and useful phrase to convey the continuity or relevance of a particular situation or action.
The phrase "holding good" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation or condition that is continuing to remain valid, relevant, or true. It signifies that something remains applicable or effective, often in the face of changing circumstances or contrary evidence.
In a legal context, "holding good" refers to a legal decision or precedent that has not been overturned, reversed, or invalidated. It implies that an established rule or judgment is still considered binding and authoritative. For instance, if an appellate court allows a lower court's ruling to stand, it signifies that the decision is holding good, and parties involved must abide by it until further review.
Beyond the legal realm, "holding good" can also pertain to an ongoing agreement, promise, or commitment. It suggests that a verbal or written agreement that has been made continues to be honored and respected by the involved parties. Even if circumstances change or challenges arise, the agreement remains in effect and cannot be easily disregarded or broken.
Moreover, "holding good" can describe the durability or endurance of an object or substance. It denotes that something, such as a material, mechanism, or product, is retaining its quality, functionality, or structural integrity over a certain period. In this sense, "holding good" implies that the item is still performing as expected, without significant deterioration or failure.
Overall, "holding good" conveys the notion of maintaining stability, validity, or effectiveness over time, across various contexts such as law, agreements, or material durability. It speaks to the continued applicability or strength of something despite potential challenges or changes.
The phrase "holding good" does not have a distinct etymology on its own. However, the word "holding" can be traced back to Old English, where it originated from the verb "healdan", meaning "to keep, hold, possess, preserve". Over time, it has developed various meanings related to possession, ownership, and maintenance. As for the word "good", originating from Old English "gōd", it has roots in Germanic and Indo-European languages. It has maintained its basic meaning of something that is morally right, virtuous, or beneficial through different English iterations.