hold court
The phrase "hold court" can describe both formal authority and informal social influence, depending on the context.
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Definition
C1Legal
(formal)To preside over a trial or legal proceeding.
Example
- The judge will hold court tomorrow to hear the case.
C2Monarchical
(historical, formal)To preside over an official assembly or function, often involving state affairs or entertainment.
Example
- The king would hold court every week to discuss matters of the realm.
B2Social
(idiomatic, informal)To be the center of attention in a social gathering, often by entertaining or engaging others.
Example
- At the party, she held court, captivating everyone with her stories.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hold court":
court of lawcounty courttake the benchhigh courtcourt of honorhold forth