Hold the fort Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Temporary Responsibility Indicates that someone is temporarily taking on another's duties. While the manager is on vacation, I will hold the fort. Pro Tip 2/3Underlying Trust Implies a level of trust placed in the person asked to take charge. You're reliable, so I'm sure you can hold the fort while I'm away. Pro Tip 3/3Not Ownership Suggests looking after something, but not owning or having full permanent control over it. I'm just holding the fort until the new chef arrives.