hold down

To keep a job or position by doing the work it requires.

• He holds down a job.
• She held down two jobs to support her family.
• Can he hold down regular work while caring for his mother?

How to use it: hold down a job (She holds down a job while studying.)

Similar words: keep, maintain

Common phrases: hold down a job, hold down two jobs

To keep something at a low level or stop it from increasing.

• We must hold down costs.
• The government held down prices last year.
• Can you hold the noise down while I work?

How to use it: hold something down (We need to hold our costs down.)

Similar words: limit, restrain, keep down

Common phrases: hold down costs, hold down prices, hold down noise