Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase.
“Hold out”
A. Maintain one’s view
B. Stick to
C. To keep one’s position in the midst of difficulties
D. Postpone
E. Cast aside

Answer 1

Hint: A phrase or an idiom is an expression that has a metaphorical meaning that has been accepted in common use. Idioms are not easy to understand because their meanings are usually metaphorical.

Complete answer:
 A phrase's symbolic sense is quite different from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made. There are a large number of idioms / phrases and in all languages they are used very widely. It is estimated that at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions occur in the English language.

The building blocks of a language and culture are phrases and idioms. To make a language fascinating and complex, idioms, phrases have a high strength. They add a spectacular example to daily speech. They also offer fascinating insights into their speakers' usage of words, languages and thought processes. Phrases and idioms have a sense of mystery about them and are enjoyable.

Let us look at some common idioms / phrases of English.
A hot potato; It means a contentious problem or situation that is uncomfortable or unpleasant to deal with. Piece of cake; it refers to something that is easy to do. Once in a blue moon; it means very rarely. A bed of roses; it refers to an easy option.

Now, let us look at the idiom given in the question i.e. hold out. Here, the phrase refers to resist or survive in difficult circumstances. Therefore, the correct answer will be option C i.e. to keep one’s position in the midst of difficulties.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘C’

Note: You might get confused at times. But to clear your thoughts and to get the correct answer, you can always take help of the internet or any book on idioms and phrases.