hold on—
1. maintain one’s grip or footing:
- If a branch is near you, hold on until we can get a rope.
2. continue; last:
- If the weather holds on, the area should provide excellent hunting the next few days.
3. continue traveling in a certain direction:
- Hold on down the road until you come to the railway crossing.
4. wait on the telephone:
- I’m afraid the line is busy, would you like to hold on?
5. continue in spite of difficulties; refuse to yield:
- Painting the house is tiring, but if you hold on, the results are worth the effort.
keep on—
1. = hold on 2:
- The rain kept on, and the wind increased. There would be no flying that day.
2. = hold on 3:
- Turn left at the corner and keep on as far as the church. Keep right on to the end of the road.
3. = hold on 5:
- Even if you fail the examination again, you must try to keep on until you pass.
4. talk at length about smth.:
- Don’t keep on so. I know you want the car but we can’t afford it.