hold still for

hold still for (something)

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.

See also: hold, still

hold still for something

 and stand still for something

Fig. 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.

See also: hold, still

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.

See also: hold, still