What is the word hold fast mean?
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What is the word hold fast mean?
Definition of holdfast 1 : something to which something else may be firmly secured. 2a : a part by which a plant clings to a flat surface.
Where did the saying hold fast come from?
The phrase “Hold Fast” traces back to Norwegian and Dutch sailors who had the saying “houd vast” meaning “hold tight”. Upon first impression, the meaning of hold fast seems obvious, but to a sailor, “fast” is a term meaning to make tight. If a sailor was to make fast the line, it would mean to make the rope tight.
to bear down and fight through the storm
HOLD FAST. Physically the term Hold Fast means to bear down and fight through the storm. There is also an understanding among sailors that when on deck, you dedicate a hand for the ship and a hand for you. That means in order to help your crew you must make sure that you are taken care of.
How do you use hold fast in a sentence?
stick to firmly.
- Hold fast when you have it.
- Hold fast to the rope, and I will put you up.
- We can only try to hold fast to the age-old values of honesty, decency and concern for others.
- Difficult to hold fast to time.
- Both sides have powerful reasons to hold fast to their traditional positions.
What does the Hold Fast Tattoo Mean?
Throughout history salty sailors/mariners believed the “HOLD FAST” tattoo on their knuckles kept evil forces away from them. The sailors thought that those eight letters on their knuckles would bring them luck while they are gripping the lines and riggings during storms.
What is hold firm?
Definition of hold firm : to refuse to change what one has been doing or believing They are holding firm on their refusal to proceed.
What is the synonym for cling?
Some common synonyms of cling are adhere, cleave, cohere, and stick. While all these words mean “to become closely attached,” cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.
What does the Hold Fast tattoo Mean?
Why do sailors have anchor tattoos?
Anchor: In the Navy, sailors get an anchor tattoo after successfully crossing and returning from the Atlantic Ocean. An anchor is also the most secure object on the ship, so its image serves as an icon of stability and unfaltering faith.
What does two crossed anchors mean?
Crossed anchors: A pair of anchors crossed on the webbing of the hand—between the thumb and index finger—meant you were a boatswain’s mate. A boatswain was the foreperson on deck, in charge of managing the crew on duty and directing any rigging, anchoring, or cabling of the ship.