Etymology A verbal phrase composed of the words: hold ("grasp", "grip") and hard ("resistantly", "resolutely", "solidly", "steadfastly").
1
Figuratively, Idiomatic To stubbornly resist assault, pressure or opposition, either physically or mentally.
I would sooner walk in the dark, and hold hard to a promise of my God, than trust in the light of the brightest day that ever dawned.1881 (Feb 6), Charles Spurgeon, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Volume 27, Sermon on Galatians 5:22
You must hold hard to life and do it. But life is a cheap thing beside a man's work. The only thing is that you need it. Hold it tight.1970, Ernest Hemingway, Islands in the Stream
2
Nautical, Transport A formal command to a ship's crew to grasp and hold on to a solid fitting, such as ropes or rails, to avoid being swept overboard, especially during a storm.
All hands...hold hard!
They were all on the bridge when the real force of the hurricane struck the ship. He had no idea where they had crawled to. Under the circumstances they were nowhere, for all the use that could be made of them. Somehow the Captain's wish to know distressed Jukes. "Want the hands, sir?" he cried, apprehensively. "Ought to know," asserted Captain MacWhirr. "Hold hard!" They held hard. An outburst of unchained fury, a vicious rush of the wind absolutely steadied the ship; she rocked only, quick and light like a child's cradle, for a terrific moment of suspense, while the whole atmosphere, as it seemed, streamed furiously past her, roaring away from the tenebrous earth.1902, Joseph Conrad, Typhoon
1 more example
Captain MacWhirr had his mate's head fixed firm in the crook of his elbow, and pressed it to his yelling lips mysteriously. Sometimes Jukes would break in, admonishing hastily: "Look out, sir!" or Captain MacWhirr would bawl an earnest exhortation to "Hold hard, there!" and the whole black universe seemed to reel together with the ship.1902, Joseph Conrad, Typhoon
hold hard
verb
Etymology A verbal phrase composed of the words: hold ("maintain or keep to a position or state") and hard ("resolutely", "steadfastly"). Originally an expression used in riding or driving, now general.
1
UK, Dated, Figuratively, Imperative, Often To stop suddenly and remain still.