hold the line

Idioms and Phrases

Maintain the existing position or state of affairs. For example, We'll have to hold the line on spending until our profits rise . This term alludes to former military tactics, in which a line of troops was supposed to prevent an enemy breakthrough. Eventually, it was transferred to civilian enterprises. [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

He said it had to "drive in the middle of the road over the chevrons to hold the line" as a result of the speed it was travelling.

From BBC

Trump, who called ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott “very rude” for asking “nasty” questions, held the line in his long tradition of attacking reporters, especially women and journalists of color, throughout the 37-minute Q&A.

From Salon

It is harder for schools to hold the line that every day missed has an impact on education, because bluntly families no longer believe it is that stark.

From BBC

I was determined to hold the line, and did.

From Los Angeles Times

The four men entered the restricted grounds of the Capitol during the insurrection and physically engaged with police attempting to hold the line of protesters, according to the release.

From Seattle Times