hold the fort
To assume responsibility, especially in another's absence

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

hold the fort
[British, American & Australian, American]
to be left in charge of a situation or place while someone is away.
Someone had to stay at home and hold the fort while my mother was out.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

hold the fort
cope in an emergency, act as a temporary substitute
He has been holding the fort at his company while his boss is on vacation.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

hold the fort
v. phr.
1. To defend a fort successfully; fight off attackers.
The little group held the fort for days until help came.
2. informal To keep a position against opposing forces.
Friends of civil liberties held the fort during a long debate.
3. informal to keep service or operations going
It was Christmas Eve, and a few workers held the fort in the office.
Mother and Father went out and told the children to hold the fort.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲