hold good

H

hold good (idiom)
/hoʊld ɡʊd/

Meaning

1. To remain valid or true over time.
2. To continue to apply in various situations.
3. To be effective or applicable under current conditions.
4. To stay relevant or accurate as circumstances evolve.

Example Sentences

1. The contract terms hold good despite the recent policy changes.
2. His advice from years ago still holds good today.
3. The findings of the initial study hold good across diverse populations.
4. The safety guidelines hold good in both urban and rural settings.
5. The same principles hold good regardless of the project’s scale.

Origin and History

The phrase “hold good” combines the verb “hold,” meaning to maintain or continue, with the adjective “good,” implying validity or effectiveness. Together, they convey the idea of something remaining valid or true over time.

Historical Usage

The expression has been used in English for centuries to denote the persistence of truth or applicability. For instance, Shakespeare frequently employed similar constructs to convey enduring truths.

Earliest Recorded Use

The precise origin of “hold good” is challenging to pinpoint. However, its usage dates back to at least the 14th century, as evidenced by historical texts.

While the exact origin of “hold good” remains somewhat obscure, it is evident that the phrase has been an integral part of the English language for several centuries, consistently conveying the idea of enduring validity or truth.

Variant / Synonyms

• hold true

Good