{v.} 1. To keep in obedience; keep control of; continue authority or rule over. * /Kings used to know very well how to hold down the people./ 2. {informal} To work satisfactorily at. * /John had held down a tough job for a long time./
HOLD DOWN
Meaning of HOLD DOWN in English
Dictionary of English idioms . Словарь английских идиом. 2012