The phrasal verb "hold on" is predominantly used in informal speech and less so in formal contexts. It is commonly employed in situations that involve requesting someone to wait briefly. For example, someone might say "Hold on, I'll be with you in a minute" when they need another person to pause for a short amount of time. "Hold on" is also used in contexts where a person is urging another to stay strong or persevere through a challenging situation, as in "Hold on, things will get better soon." It conveys reassurance and patience in conversations. Though it can appear in written texts such as informal emails or dialogues in literature, its primary usage is conversational. The phrasal verb can also function in a more literal sense, meaning to physically grasp something tightly, although this usage is less common compared to the metaphorical ones.
A2
Beginner
1. To wait or remain in a place or situation.
Please hold on while I transfer your call.
He told them to hold on while he fetched some coffee.
2. To grip something tightly or maintain a hold on something.
She had to hold on to the railing to avoid falling during the trip.
Hold on to your hat, it's windy outside!
3. To persist or continue in a belief, task, or state.
He decided to hold on and finish the project despite the challenges.
They advised her to hold on to her dreams regardless of what others say.