hold one's own

Definition

To demonstrate oneself to be capable; to provide a respectable performance or worthy competition; to stick up for oneself.

Example Sentences

• "At any rate, he was like John Bull in one respect: he was sturdy and square, and fit to hold his own with any man."
• "At the receptions […] Antonia could hold her own in a discussion with two or three men at a time."
• "If it came to blows, the younger man could not hope to hold his own with the huge policeman."