took hold
phrase
as in worked
to produce a desired effect
It was clear in the students' essays that her lessons had taken hold.
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Recent Examples of took hold
The phrase took hold before the World Cup during a news conference ahead of the Liga MX playoffs.
—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
5 July 2026
Still, the circular design took hold in the popular imagination, giving it added meaning this anniversary.
—
Kelsey Ables,
The Atlantic,
3 July 2026
On Day 4, one of tennis’ more familiar rules took hold, American hopes were set for the July 4 weekend and the upsets of last year gave way to chalk.
—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
The shift has partially reversed a trend that took hold after the Iran war broke out.
—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
5 July 2026
Still, the circular design took hold in the popular imagination, giving it added meaning this anniversary.
—
Kelsey Ables,
The Atlantic,
3 July 2026
On Day 4, one of tennis’ more familiar rules took hold, American hopes were set for the July 4 weekend and the upsets of last year gave way to chalk.
—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
The shift has partially reversed a trend that took hold after the Iran war broke out.
—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for took hold
took effect
Phrase
-
The historic housing bill, which took effect Wednesday, was written in hopes of addressing California’s housing crisis.
Cite this Entry
“Took hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/took%20hold. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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