Hold it down
Meaning: To take care of things, maintain stability, or keep everything running in someone's absence.
Holding it down means being reliable and responsible — managing things so nothing falls apart. It's used about people who keep their household, business, or group functioning. A mother who 'holds it down' keeps the family together. A friend who 'holds it down' takes care of things while you're away. It's a term of deep respect.
Examples
- While I was overseas, my wife held it down at home with the kids. 我在海外的时候,妻子在家带着孩子把一切都撑了下来。Mientras yo estaba en el extranjero, mi mujer se encargó de todo en casa con los niños.俺が海外にいる間、妻が子供たちと一緒に家をしっかり守ってくれた。내가 해외에 있는 동안 아내가 아이들과 함께 집을 잘 지켜줬어.
- I need you to hold it down at the shop this weekend while I'm gone. 这个周末我不在,你帮我把店看好。Necesito que te encargues de la tienda este fin de semana mientras estoy fuera.今週末俺がいない間、店を頼むぞ。이번 주말 내가 없는 동안 가게 좀 맡아줘.
- She's been holding it down since day one — the most reliable person I know. 她从第一天起就一直在撑着——我认识的最靠谱的人。Ella se ha encargado de todo desde el primer día — la persona más fiable que conozco.彼女は最初からずっとしっかり支えてくれている — 一番頼りになる人だ。그녀는 처음부터 쭉 든든하게 지켜왔어 — 내가 아는 가장 믿을 만한 사람이야.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: family, work, relationships, casual conversation
Tone: respectful, trusting
✓ Do Say
- She holds it down for the whole family.她为全家撑起了一切。Ella se encarga de todo por la familia.彼女が家族全体をしっかり支えている。그녀가 온 가족을 든든하게 지키고 있어.
- Can you hold it down while I'm away?我不在的时候你能帮忙撑着吗?¿Puedes encargarte de todo mientras estoy fuera?俺がいない間、任せていい?내가 없는 동안 좀 맡아줄 수 있어?
✗ Don't Say
- This is always a compliment — it describes someone trustworthy and capable这永远是一种赞美——形容一个值得信赖、有能力的人Esto siempre es un halago — describe a alguien digno de confianza y capaz常に褒め言葉として使われる — 信頼でき、頼りになる人を表す이것은 항상 칭찬이다 — 믿을 수 있고 능력 있는 사람을 묘사하는 표현이다
Origin & History
Originated in AAVE, reflecting values of reliability, loyalty, and communal responsibility. The phrase has been used in Black communities for decades and is especially common in hip-hop, where it describes loyalty and dependability.
Cultural Context
Era: 1970s-present
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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