hold hostage
The phrase "hold hostage" can be used both literally and figuratively, often implying coercion or leverage.
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Definition
B2Criminal Activity
(literal, legal)To detain a person against their will to force compliance with demands.
Example
- The kidnappers held the businessman hostage, demanding a ransom for his release.
C1Negotiations
(figurative)To use a person or thing as leverage to gain an advantage or force an action.
Example
- The union held the company's operations hostage to negotiate better working conditions.
C1General
(idiomatic)To be constrained or limited by an external factor.
Example
- The project was held hostage by budget constraints.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hold hostage":
hostage to fortunehold withat gunpointhold overhold tohold inhold down