THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Hold the fort
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Take care of a place, task or situation while someone else is away.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Can you hold the fort while I collect the delivery?
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Can you ________ while I collect the delivery?
Show the answer
Hold the fort — Take care of a place, task or situation while someone else is away.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Hold the fort” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Take care of a place, task or situation while someone else is away.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this friendly, informal expression when asking someone to cover responsibilities temporarily. It works at home, in a shop or in an office.
More examples in context
- Mina held the fort at reception during the lunch break.
- I’ll hold the fort here until the other volunteers arrive.
Usage note
“Hold down the fort” is a common American version. The past tense is “held”. The expression usually concerns temporary cover, rather than taking over someone’s role permanently.
A short conversation
A: I need to take this parcel to the post office.
B: Go ahead. I can hold the fort for twenty minutes.
A: Thanks. I’ll be back before the next booking.
One more practice question
What are you agreeing to do if you hold the fort at a shop?
A. Close the shop permanently without explanation.
B. Look after things temporarily while someone is away.
Check your answer
B. The phrase means providing temporary cover for responsibilities.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.