hold one's own
Match the competition
To hold one's own is to maintain position against opposition or competition—neither advancing nor retreating.
Someone holds their own in a debate by matching their opponent's arguments, or against an illness by not getting worse: She's holding her own after the surgery.
The phrase suggests competence under pressure rather than dominance.
Able to recover quickly
- persevereContinue despite obstacles
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
tenacious · survive · persist · unyielding · staunch · resolute · determined · unwavering
resilient
Able to recover quickly
- persevereContinue despite obstacles
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
fortitude · tenacious · survive · persist · unyielding · staunch · resolute · determined · unwavering · stand firm
rival
One who competes against
challenge · contest · underdog · competition · strive · vying · battle · clash · confrontation · tournament
hold one's ownlose ground
Suffer setback in progress
fall behind · succumb · flounder · lag behind · crumble
hold one's ownsurrender
Cease resistance, yield
submit · capitulate · give in · cave in · yield
hold one's ownflounder
Struggle awkwardly, or seafood
fall apart · go under · sink · drown · fall to pieces
hold, holds, held, holding, holder, holders, holdout, holdover, behold