intransitive phrasal verb used as a polite request to pause briefly (e.g., during phone calls, safety instructions)

to ask someone to wait temporarily while the speaker completes an action or gathers information

during telephone conversations, when following procedural steps that require a short pause, before transferring callers

everyday conversation, professional settings such as customer service, technical support, and emergency communications

hold on

hold on

a minute, just a moment, please wait

• hang on
• hold on a moment

• wait
• hang up
• keep the line open

using it transitively as in ‘hold on the phone’ – correct usage is simply ‘hold on’ without additional objects

hang on (synonym), wait up (used when stopping to await someone’s arrival)

English speakers sometimes confuse its meaning with physically holding something; remember that “hold” + object indicates possession whereas this phrasal verb signals a brief pause.

• hold-on (noun
• wait)

conveys mild impatience while still sounding friendly and courteous, appropriate for informal yet professional contexts.

signals politeness and respect by indicating you will return momentarily or are waiting safely before proceeding.

hold on

This chunk is versatile across both casual and professional communication settings.

hold on a tick (BrE)