hold tack: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  Historical Englisharchaicnauticaldated
  • To maintain a chosen tack or course while sailing, keeping a vessel's orientation relative to the wind.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Captain Lewis ordered the crew to hold tack as they navigated through the narrow strait against a strong wind.

    Captain Lewis ordered the crew to maintain their sailing course as they moved through the narrow strait against a strong wind.

  • While sailing eastward, the yacht managed to hold tack despite the sudden gusts that threatened to push it off course.

    While sailing eastward, the yacht kept its orientation relative to the wind despite sudden gusts.

  • If you don't hold tack properly, the boat will drift and lose speed, making the journey longer than expected.

    If you don't maintain your sailing course correctly, the boat will drift and slow down, extending the trip.

  • The instructor explained how to hold tack during the lesson so that the students could better control their dinghies.

    The instructor explained how to maintain the sailing course during the lesson so the students could better control their small boats.

• 2.

  Historical Englisharchaicdatedliterary
  • To endure, hold out, or persist over time or under pressure.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Despite the financial troubles, the company managed to hold tack and keep operating throughout the crisis.

    Despite financial difficulties, the company persisted and continued operating throughout the crisis.

  • You have to hold tack if you want to get through the tough times; giving up now won’t help anyone.

    You must endure if you want to overcome difficult times; quitting now won't help.

  • She held tack through the long hours of training, even when her muscles ached and sleep was scarce.

    She persisted through the long training hours, even when she was tired and sore.