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Region: General | Usage example: Can you hold down the fort while I'm on vacation?

Hold down the fort

Meaning

Take care of responsibilities while someone else is away.

Usage

Used to request temporary coverage or support.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Military and colonial guards maintaining posts when commanders left.

Used widely since the 1800s in both military and civilian contexts.

Related Idioms

Hold the fort

Maintain a position temporarily.

Caught with your pants down

Surprised while unprepared.

Breathe down your neck

Watch someone closely, often annoyingly.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.