hold by (something)
(redirected from hold me by)hold by (something)
1. To grip or grasp someone by something in particular, such as a body part or an article of clothing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "hold" and "by." You need to hold Johnny by the hand when we cross the street. I held the stray dog by the collar while Paul went and looked for its owner. I held Tom by the arm to keep him from getting involved in a stupid bar fight.
2. To maintain something, typically something that one has agreed to. You need to hold by your contractual obligations to the company. Jake doesn't hold by his promises, and then he wonders why people don't trust him. You won't get ahead in this industry unless you hold by your word.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
hold someone or something by something
to grasp someone or something by a particular part. I held him by the shoulder while I talked to him. Donna held the dog by the collar.
hold by something
to stick by a promise. I hope that you will hold by our agreement. I will hold by everything I said.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.