HOLDS DOWN Meaning and
Definition
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"Holds down" is a phrasal verb that can have various meanings depending on the context. In general, it implies the act of securing or maintaining control over something or someone with effort or determination. Let's explore some of the possible definitions of "holds down":
1. To keep a job or position: This meaning is commonly used in professional contexts, indicating the ability to retain a specific employment or position. For example, "He has been able to hold down the position of CEO for over a decade."
2. To restrict or manage: It can refer to the exertion of control or constraint over a situation or event. For instance, "She managed to hold down her expenses during a financial crisis."
3. To manage a task or responsibility: Often used when one handles multiple obligations simultaneously. For instance, "He holds down two part-time jobs to pay for his education."
4. To maintain or reduce: This meaning is frequently used in the context of holding things down physically or figuratively. For example, "Using weights, he was able to hold down the canvass securely against the wind" or "The government is focused on holding down inflation rates."
Overall, "holds down" suggests the successful control, management, or retention of something amid challenges or expectations.
Common Misspellings for HOLDS DOWN
- holddown
- holds-down
- golds down
- nolds down
- jolds down
- uolds down
- yolds down
- hilds down
- hklds down
- hllds down
- hplds down
- h0lds down
- h9lds down
- hokds down
- hopds down
- hoods down
- holss down
- holxs down
- holcs down
- holfs down
Etymology of HOLDS DOWN
The phrase "holds down" can be understood as a combination of two words, "holds" and "down".
The word "holds" is derived from Old English "healdan", which means "to grasp, keep possession, or retain control over something". It is related to other Germanic languages like German "halten" and Dutch "houden". Over time, "healdan" evolved into "hold" in Middle English and has persisted in modern English with variations in meaning related to maintaining grip, possession, or control.
On the other hand, "down" comes from Old English "dūne", which referred to a lower position or motion towards a lower place. This word has a parallel in other Germanic languages such as German "hinunter" and Dutch "neer". In the context of "holds down", "down" adds the connotation of keeping something under control or maintaining a suppressing force.
