Hold someone dear 🫂❤️

Meaning

To care about someone very much and feel a strong affection for them.

Origin

This phrase paints a vivid picture, doesn't it? Imagine the precious things you 'hold' in your hands – they are close, protected, valued. The 'dear' part simply amplifies that feeling. It means something or someone is so important, so cherished, that you keep them 'dear' to your heart, close and safe from harm. It’s an old expression, rooted in the idea of valuing something so highly that you keep it near, much like a treasured possession you wouldn't let go of.

💖 love 🤝 friendship 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 family

Hold someone dear represented with emoji🫂❤️

This playful arrangement of emojis functions as a charming rebus, inviting us to consider the sweet sentiment of holding someone dear. It nudges us to see how simple symbols can convey profound affection, transforming the mundane into a moment of shared emotional understanding. It's a delightful reminder of the power of connection, expressed in the universal language of emotion.

Examples

  • I hold my grandparents very dear and visit them often.
  • She held her childhood teddy bear dear, even after she grew up.
  • The king held his loyal jester dear, often sharing laughter and secrets.
  • The wizard held the ancient, talking mushroom dear, for it whispered the sweetest, strangest spells.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'hold someone dear' a formal or informal phrase?

While 'hold someone dear' conveys deep affection, it's generally considered informal to semi-formal. It's commonly used in personal relationships and heartfelt communication, but might be less frequent in highly official or strictly academic writing.

What's the opposite of 'hold someone dear'?

The most direct opposite of 'hold someone dear' would be phrases like 'disregard someone' or 'hold someone in contempt'. These imply a lack of affection, value, or even active dislike.

Can you 'hold a thing dear' as well as a person?

Yes, you can absolutely 'hold a thing dear', though it's less common than with people. It can refer to cherishing a memory, a belief, or a treasured object that holds significant personal value.

Is 'hold someone dear' an idiom or a literal expression?

While it uses concrete imagery of 'holding', 'hold someone dear' functions as an idiom. The primary meaning is metaphorical, signifying deep emotional attachment rather than physical possession.

Similar to "hold someone dear"

Cherish someone
Both phrases speak to deep affection, but 'cherish' implies a protective tenderness and a sense of guarding something precious, almost like a treasure
Have a soft spot for someone
Both paint a picture of fondness, but 'hold someone dear' feels more profound and steady, while 'have a soft spot' suggests a particular, perhaps slightly indulgent, weakness for someone's charms
Be attached to someone
Both speak to a bond, but 'hold someone dear' is an active, conscious valuing of the person, whereas 'be attached' can sometimes hint at a more automatic, perhaps even burdensome, sense of connection

Opposite of "hold someone dear"

Cut someone off
This phrase argues for severing ties completely, rejecting the very possibility of valuing someone, which is a stark counterpoint to the idea of holding them dear
Keep someone at arm's length
This suggests a deliberate emotional distance, arguing for a controlled, cautious interaction that actively prevents the kind of closeness implied by holding someone dear
Regard someone with suspicion
This viewpoint actively posits distrust and a guarded stance, a direct challenge to the open affection and trust inherent in holding someone dear, and it’s fascinating how it frames relationships through a lens of potential threat

Related to "hold someone dear"

Blood is thicker than water
This proverb speaks to the innate, deep-seated loyalties often felt towards family, the kind of people one might naturally hold dear
A pillar of strength
This phrase describes someone who provides unwavering support, highlighting the qualities that might lead one to hold them dear
Wear your heart on your sleeve
This idiom describes someone who openly displays their emotions, mirroring the open affection one might feel for someone they hold dear
A cherished memory
This connects the idea of holding a person dear to the act of preserving and treasuring specific moments or experiences associated with them