hold to (something)

hold to (something)

1. To expect or encourage one to uphold something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "hold" and "to." You said you'd be home by 10, and I'm holding you to your word. A: "Next time, I'll buy you lunch." B: "I'm going to hold you to that!"2. To uphold or maintain something. Of course she'll hold to her convictions—have you ever known your sister to change her mind?See also: hold

hold someone to something

Fig. to make someone adhere to an agreement. You promised me that you would buy six of them, and I'm going to hold you to your promise. It was difficult, but he held himself to the terms of the contract.See also: hold

hold to

Remain loyal or faithful to, abide by, as in She held to her resolutions, or He held to his view that the interest rate should be lowered. [c. 1200] Also see stick by; stick to. See also: hold

hold to

v.1. To place something close to something else: He held a finger to his lips.2. To expect someone to adhere to some agreement or promise: I'll hold you to your word.3. To remain loyal or faithful to something: She held to her resolutions.See also: hold