Take Hold Of – Meaning and Examples
When you need to grab something firmly so you don’t drop it, what do you do? Or what happens when a strong feeling, like panic, starts to control you? In English, the phrase take hold of covers both situations. This phrase is useful both literally (to grab) and figuratively (to influence strongly). Let’s learn how to use take hold of in your daily conversations!
What Does “Take Hold Of” Mean?
“Take hold of” has two main definitions:
- Literal: To firmly grasp or grip an object with your hands. (e.g., “Take hold of the railing as you walk downstairs.”)
- Figurative: When an emotion, idea, or disease begins to strongly affect or control a person or situation. (e.g., “Fear began to take hold of the crowd.”)
Think of it like a plant sending roots into the ground. Once the roots take hold of the soil, the plant is secure and growing strong. In the figurative sense, the feeling is planting roots in your mind.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in various situations, depending on the meaning:
- Safety/Physical Actions: When you need a firm grip on something to prevent falling or dropping it (literal use).
- Emotions/Ideas: When discussing how a strong feeling (like panic, excitement, or doubt) begins to influence a person (figurative use).
- Trends/Diseases: When talking about something new spreading and becoming established.
This phrase is neutral and fits well in almost any conversation.
Example Sentences
- Be careful on the boat; take hold of the rope before the wave hits.
- A strange idea began to take hold of the community after the mysterious event.
- We waited for the new policies to take hold of the company before making changes.
- As the light dimmed, a sense of fear started to take hold of the children.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “I’m worried about the flu this winter.”
Jamie: “I know, we need to wash our hands often before the illness can take hold of the whole school.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not confuse “take hold of” (to grasp or influence) with “take care of” (to look after). They sound similar but have very different meanings.
❌ Don’t say: “I need to take hold of my cat.” (Use “take care of” to mean feeding/looking after the pet.)
✅ Do say: “You must take hold of the handle to open the heavy door.” (Correct literal use.)
Practice Tip
When you hear a catchy song on the radio, notice how you want to sing along. That’s the song’s energy starting to take hold of you! Use this phrase when talking about music or movies.Final Note
You now know how to use take hold of in both physical and emotional contexts! This flexibility makes it a powerful phrase in English. Keep practicing both meanings. You are doing a fantastic job, and your English is taking hold of your daily life!