HOLDING SWAY Meaning and
Definition
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"Holding sway" is a phrase used to describe a situation where someone or something exerts a dominant influence or control over others. This expression is commonly used in contexts where an individual, group, idea, or even a physical object has a significant impact or command over a particular situation, area, or people.
When someone or something "holds sway," it suggests that they possess power or authority that enables them to dictate or shape the actions, decisions, or behaviors of others. This influence usually extends beyond mere persuasion, as it implies a certain degree of control or dominance. The entity that holds sway is often seen as being in a superior or compelling position, holding the attention and respect of those around them.
For example, in a political setting, a charismatic leader who captures the admiration and loyalty of the masses may be said to "hold sway" over the population. Similarly, an influential corporation or entrepreneur can be considered as "holding sway" over an industry or market, influencing the decisions made by their competitors and even shaping the overall direction of the field.
Overall, "holding sway" refers to the capacity of an individual or entity to wield significant influence, dominance, or control over others, implying an ability to shape outcomes, opinions, or actions to a considerable extent.
Common Misspellings for HOLDING SWAY
- golding sway
- bolding sway
- nolding sway
- jolding sway
- uolding sway
- yolding sway
- hilding sway
- hklding sway
- hllding sway
- hplding sway
- h0lding sway
- h9lding sway
- hokding sway
- hopding sway
- hooding sway
- holsing sway
- holxing sway
- holcing sway
- holfing sway
- holring sway
Etymology of HOLDING SWAY
The phrase "holding sway" has its roots in Old Norse and Middle English.
The word "sway" comes from the Old Norse word "sveigja", which means "to bend, to yield". In Middle English, "sway" emerged as a verb with the meaning "to wield power, to control, to rule". It is believed to have entered the English language around the 14th century. The sense of influence and control conveyed by "sway" has been retained in the phrase "holding sway".
"Holding" is the present participle of the verb "hold", which originated from Old English. In this context, "holding" conveys the act of maintaining or possessing power or authority.
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