English Explanatory Dictionary

hold the ring

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb

To maintain order among spectators encircling participants in a prizefight or a performance and keep them from coming too near the participants.
To be a spectator at a fight; (figuratively) to watch other people argue.
To oversee a situation while attempting to remain uninvolved in it.
Of a prizefighter: to hold one's own during a fight; to continue winning a series of fights.

Pronunciation

/ˈhəʊld ðə ˌɹɪŋ/ /ˈhɔʊld ðə ˌɹɪŋ/ /ˈhoʊld ðə ˌɹɪŋ/ en-au-hold the ring.ogg

Word forms

hold the ring holds the ring holding the ring held the ring

Etymology

Probably from keep the ring. In days past when spectators would encircle participants in a prizefight or a performance, people would be employed to maintain order among them and keep them from coming too near the participants.

Synonyms

keep the ring

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