HOLD THE FORT

{v. phr.} 1. To defend a fort successfully; fight off attackers. * /The little group held the fort for days until help came./ 2. {informal} To keep a position against opposing forces. * /Friends of civil liberties held the fort during a long debate./ 3. {informal} to keep service or operations going * /It was Christmas Eve, and a few workers held the fort in the office./ * /Mother and Father went out and told the children to hold the fort./