hold on

hold firmly

stop and wait, as if awaiting further instructions or developments

• “Hold on a moment!”

be persistent, refuse to stop

• “he persisted to call me every night”
• “The child persisted and kept asking questions”

hold the phone line open

• “Please hang on while I get your folder”

retain possession of

• “Can I keep my old stuffed animals?”
• “She kept her maiden name after she married”