hold it down

B2 informal inseparable transitive

In simple words

To keep things running well and under control, especially when it's hard or when someone else is away.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To successfully maintain and manage a situation, place, or set of responsibilities, especially when conditions are difficult.

"While the boss is at the conference, I need you to hold it down at the office."

"I need my team to hold it down while I'm away."
— Widely attested in hip-hop lyrics and interviews; e.g. Jay-Z interviews (c. 2000s)

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Common in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and widely used in hip-hop culture. Can refer to maintaining order in a neighborhood, keeping a household running, or staying loyal. Also used simply to mean 'represent' or 'maintain your presence in a place or group.'

Commonly used with

neighborhood household fort crew situation business place

Forms

Base

hold it down

I/you/we/they

3rd person

holds it down

he/she/it

Past simple

held it down

yesterday

Past participle

held it down

have + pp

-ing form

holding it down

continuous

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