hold forth
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To talk a lot about something, usually in a way that makes you sound very important or like you know everything.
Literal meaning: To hold something forth (to offer or present it) — the sense of presenting one's opinions at length is a historical extension.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
formal
To talk at great length and with self-importance about a topic, often in a way that bores or irritates listeners.
"He spent the entire dinner party holding forth on the failings of modern education."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Almost always used with mild disapproval or irony. The phrase implies the speaker enjoys the sound of their own voice. Followed by 'on' or 'about': 'hold forth on politics.' More common in British English.
Commonly used with
politics art subject topic philosophy opinions views
Forms
Base
hold forth
I/you/we/they
3rd person
holds forth
he/she/it
Past simple
held forth
yesterday
Past participle
held forth
have + pp
-ing form
holding forth
continuous
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