catch/get/grab/take hold of somebody/something

catch (a)hold of (someone or something)

To grasp or grip something. Catch hold of that end of the sheet and pull it straight. I tried to catch ahold of her before she fell off the step, but it happened too fast. Luckily, Seth was able to catch hold of the dog's collar and pull him back into the yard.

See also: catch, of

get hold of (one)

1. Literally, to grab and hold onto one with the hands. The police officer got hold of suspect before he could run away. My sister got hold of me at our mother's funeral to keep herself from breaking down in tears. Luckily, I saw that the gate was open just in time to get hold of the dog and keep him in the yard.

2. To successfully make contact and communicate with one. I wasn't able to get hold of my brother at the weekend, I hope he's OK. Has anyone been able to get hold of Grandma since the storm hit? Can you please get hold of Tracy's assistant and see if we're still meeting today? Thanks.

3. To gain total control, influence, or power over one. Well, once major corporations get hold of a politician, it's easy to predict where that senator's or congressperson's interests will lie. Addiction seems to have completely gotten hold of John. It's hard to recognize safety in your surroundings once panic gets hold of you.

4. To capture one's attention, interest, or imagination. Her latest novel got hold of me and didn't let go until I'd read it cover to cover. Once an idea for a story gets hold of me, I usually can't rest until I've sketched out an outline. You guys binged that whole show? I always thought it was boring, so I'm surprised it got hold of you.

See also: get, hold, of

grab (a)hold of (someone)

1. Literally, to grab and hold onto someone with one's hands. The police officer grabbed hold of the suspect before he could run away. My sister grabbed ahold of me at our mother's funeral to keep herself from breaking down in tears. Luckily, I saw that the gate was open just in time to grab ahold of the dog and keep him in the yard.

2. To gain total control, influence, or power over someone. Once major corporations grab hold of a politician, it's easy to predict where his political interests will lie. Addiction seems to have completely grabbed ahold of John. It's hard to recognize safety in your surroundings once panic grabs ahold of you.

3. To capture someone's attention, interest, or imagination. Her latest novel grabbed hold of me and didn't let go until I'd read it cover to cover. Once an idea for a story grabs ahold of me, I usually can't rest until I've sketched out an outline. You guys binged that whole show? I always thought it was boring, so I'm surprised it grabbed ahold of you.

See also: grab, of

take (a)hold of (someone or something)

1. To grasp or seize someone or something in one's hands. Take hold of this rope and lower yourself out the window. He took ahold of the box and carried it out of the building. I tried to take ahold of her before she fell off the step, but it happened too fast.

2. To gain control over someone or something. Panic took hold of the entire country after the government declared war on the neighboring nations. You've got to calm down. You can't let fear take ahold of you like this.

See also: of, take

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

catch (a)hold of someone or something

to grasp or seize someone or something. See if you can catch hold of the rope as it swings back and forth. I couldn't catch ahold of her.

See also: catch, hold, of

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

get hold of

Grasp, obtain; also, get in touch with. For example, If you can just get hold of one end, I'll get the other, or Jane had no luck getting hold of the book she needed, or I've phoned a dozen times but I can't seem to get hold of him. [c. 1300] Also see lay hold of.

See also: get, hold, of

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.

catch/get/grab/take (a) ˈhold of somebody/something

have or take somebody/something in your hands: He caught hold of her wrists so she couldn’t get away. ♢ Lee got hold of the dog by its collar. ♢ Quick, grab a hold of that rope.

See also: catch, get, grab, hold, of, somebody, something, take

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

get hold of

1. To come into possession of; find: Where can I get hold of a copy?

2. To communicate with, as by telephone: tried to get hold of you but the line was busy.

3. To gain control of. Often used reflexively: You must get hold of yourself!

See also: get, hold, of

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.