lose one's hold

lose (one's) hold on (someone or something)

1. To no longer have a firm or secure grip on someone or something with one's hand or hands. He lost his hold on the railing and went tumbling down the stairs. The rescue team is almost here—don't lose your hold on him!

2. To no longer have a firm or clear understanding of something. The poor guy sort of lost his hold on reality after the death of his children. I feel like I'm losing my hold on my sanity.

3. To no longer have a direct control, influence, or authority over someone. The president's political party lost its hold on congress after several senators lost their seats in the recent election. After the landmark election, and as the dictator finally lost his hold on the citizens of the country, people flocked to the streets to celebrate.

See also: hold, lose, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

lose one’s hold

verb

See lose one’s grip

See also: hold, lose

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.