hold steady

1. To remain motionless or stop moving. You'll need to hold steady while the MRI machine is running. Honey, hold steady so the nurse can take your temperature. I know it hurts, but please hold steady so I can finish cleaning and bandaging your scrape.

2. To restrain someone or something to keep them from moving very much or at all. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "hold" and "steady." Make sure you hold the needle steady, or you could end up missing the vein. She tried to hold the child steady while the doctor examined him. I held the kitten steady while the vet looked her over.

3. To not change or fluctuate at all or very much. We have to make sure the power levels hold steady. If there is a surge, it could destroy the circuitry. Analysts are predicting that the stock market will hold steady despite the closure of the massive financial firm. If her high fever continues to hold steady like this, we'll have to take her to the hospital.

4. To remain resolute and unwavering. Whoever is chosen to lead the company must be able to hold steady in the face of adversity. I have to say, I didn't know if Sarah would be up to the challenge, but she has held steady. You need to hold steady and fight back against these baseless attacks and provocations!