Englishhold one's own
Meaning: To be able to withstand opposition or attack; to do just as well as other people.
Example: “The rookie held his own against the champion for ten rounds.”
Origin: Documented since the first half of the 1300s, with an early example in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1387), and already a cliché by the 1800s. "Own" here stands for one's own ground, position, or standing — holding it means neither advancing nor retreating, simply refusing to be pushed backward or overpowered. The phrase found natural homes in both military and sporting contexts: soldiers "holding their own" against an attacking force, or a boxer or wrestler "holding his own" against a stronger opponent without necessarily winning outright, just refusing to be beaten down.
More English idioms
- in a bind In a difficult situation or position.
- in a nutshell Concisely; in a few words.
- in a pinch In an emergency; if necessary.
- in a rut In a boring routine.
- in Dutch with someone In trouble.
- in full swing At the peak of activity or intensity.
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