hold one's own

Idioms and Phrases

Do reasonably well despite opposition, competition, or criticism. For example, The team held its own against their opponents , or Rumors often hold their own against facts . [First half of 1300s]

Example Sentences

It’s a hard sound to land without veering into pastiche, let alone to hold one’s own amid the heavy arrangements.

From The Guardian

Being able to hold one’s own in a peloton is key to success in the mass start, and it is here that Rigas’s inline background gives her a slight edge over pure long track ice skaters and helps explain her results at international level.

From Reuters

Being able to hold one’s own in a peloton is key to success in the mass start, and it is here that Rigas’s inline background gives her a slight edge over pure long track ice skaters and helps explain her results at international level.

From Reuters

Being required to hold one’s own against the then seven-time Oscar-nominated acting legend might have daunted some actors, but the young woman from Skelmanthorpe in West Yorkshire seemed surprised at the suggestion.

From The Guardian

“It’s a sign of political strength to be able to hold one’s own despite populist pressure.”

From Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• confront
• endure
• get by
• grapple
• handle
• suffer
• survive
• wrestle