hold the fort

Idioms and Phrases

Assume responsibility, especially in another's absence; also, maintain a secure position. For example, Harry did a good job of holding the fort until his boss recovered , or Can you hold the fort in the kitchen? This expression has been traced to an order given by General William Tecumseh Sherman in 1864, which was repeated as “Hold the fort [against the enemy at Allatoona] at all costs, for I am coming.”

Example Sentences

Could he hold the fort while a wider search goes on?

From BBC

That doesn't mean if Pochettino's time at Chelsea is an unmitigated disaster they can't haul Lampard back for a third time to hold the fort, such is the barmy nature of professional football these days.

From BBC

GM Pat Verbeek inherited coach Dallas Eakins and knew there was no hope the team would contend, so Verbeek hoped Eakins could at least hold the fort and help their kids develop.

From Los Angeles Times

McCullum acknowledged the work done by the previous regime to "hold the fort together".

From BBC

“We’ve got to hold the fort down until he’s ready.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• continue
• endure
• go on
• hover
• last
• linger
• live
• persist
• prevail
• stand
• stop
• survive
• wait