holding fast

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   Refusing to change your belief, plan, or promise, even when other people pressure you.

   Grammar: Used after 'be' or a verb like 'keep': 'she is holding fast to her word'. Followed by 'to' before the thing you refuse to give up.

   Patterns

   • holding fast to something
   • be holding fast
   • keep holding fast

   Despite the criticism, the mayor is holding fast to her plan to rebuild the bridge.

   He kept holding fast to his story even when the police questioned him for hours.

   The team is holding fast to its belief that the new method will work.

2. 2phraseidiom

   Gripping something tightly so that it does not slip or come loose.

   Grammar: The physical sense; often used with 'to' plus the object being gripped, or on its own.

   Patterns

   • holding fast to something
   • holding fast

   The climber was holding fast to the rock while the wind blew around her.

   She stood at the rail, holding fast as the boat rocked from side to side.

3. 3phraseidiom

   Staying fixed in place or not moving, especially in a storm or difficult conditions.

   Grammar: Usually describes things like anchors, roots, or buildings; often followed by 'in' plus a place or condition.

   Patterns

   • holding fast in something
   • holding fast against something

   The old oak is still holding fast in the wet ground after all these years.

   The tent kept holding fast against the strong wind all night.

Common combinations

holding fast to a belief

She is holding fast to a belief that honesty always pays.

holding fast to a promise

He is holding fast to a promise he made to his father.

holding fast in the face of pressure

The workers are holding fast in the face of pressure to accept lower pay.

keep holding fast

Keep holding fast and don't let them change your mind.

holding fast to the old ways

The village is holding fast to the old ways of farming.

Synonyms and how they differ

sticking to

More informal and common in speech; it suggests you continue with something rather than refuse to change a belief.

clinging to

Suggests a more emotional or desperate grip, as if you are afraid to let go; 'holding fast' sounds firmer and more controlled.

standing by

Focuses on staying loyal to a person or promise; 'holding fast' can also be about beliefs or physical grip.

Opposites

Word family

hold fast phrase

The base form, meaning to grip tightly or refuse to change.

hold verb

To keep something in your hand or keep a position.

fast adverb

In this phrase it means firmly or tightly, not quickly.

Commonly confused: holding fast or hold on? holding fast or hold out?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “holding fast”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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