hang on to (someone or something)

1. To continue to grasp or hold someone or something. I hung on to the ledge for dear life. Make sure you hang on to that camera. You don't want it to fall overboard. Hey, hang on to the monkey bars with both hangs! My goodness, this kid is gonna give me a heart attack.

2. To retain possession, custody, control, or employment of someone or something. Why are you hanging on to all this junk in the basement? Surely we don't need four cheese graters. Karen's one of our very best lawyers. We've got to hang on to her! A: "Mom, I can't believe you didn't hang on to my childhood teddy bear!" B: "That ratty old thing had to go, honey, I'm sorry."

3. To maintain faith, belief, or confidence in something. I've always hung on to the notion that most people are inherently good at heart. She hangs on to her religion with great zeal. It's really hard, but when I'm struggling, I try to hang on to the hope that good times are coming.