Meaning

To stand firm or compete well, keeping your ground.

Origin

From 14th-century England, tied to combat; 'hold your own' meant keeping rank, as in a 1375 poem on a stand. By 1540s slang, it hit general use, as in a 1590s play for grit.

Variants

  • Hold the own

Usage Examples

  • She held her own in the tough debate.
  • He's holding his own against the pros.
  • Hold your own; this job's a grind.

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