hold still for (someone or something)
1. To stop moving so that something can be administered. Often used as an imperative I know you're scared, but I really need you to hold still for your shot. How exactly are we gonna get the cat to hold still for medicine? She bolts as soon as she sees me coming with the syringe! The tech warned me that I would need to hold still for the MRI.
2. To accept, tolerate, endure, or put up with something. (Often used in the negative to indicate the opposite.) Do you really think the boss will hold still for this outrageous plan of yours? The people of this country will no longer hold still for the persecution administered by the despots and corrupt politicians in government. Of course I'm gonna fight back! I won't hold still for baseless attacks and provocations!
3. To stop moving so that someone can do something. Often used as an imperative. Hold still for me, sweetie—I need to look at your cut. The sooner you hold still for me and let me apply the sunscreen, the sooner we'll be able to go to the beach. Honey, hold still for the nurse so she can take your temperature.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
hold still for something
and stand still for somethingFig. to tolerate or endure something. (Often in the negative.) I won't stand still for that kind of behavior! She won't hold still for that kind of talk.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
hold still for
Also, stand still for. Accept or tolerate something, as in Do you think he'll hold still for your decision? These terms are often put negatively, as in The town won't hold still for another increase in property taxes, or The teacher won't stand still for this kind of behavior. The first expression employs hold in the sense of "sustain a particular position or attitude," a usage dating from about 1300.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.