firmly/tightly

Question

Hello,Which version sounds better to you: "Hold the drill tightly/firmly to prevent an injury" and "Fasten the boards tightly/firmly to the wall, please"? I would use tightly in the first and firmly in the second. What do you think?

Blue Jay · Accepted Answer

I think I'd hold the drill firmly and fasten the boards tightly, but I wouldn't call your way wrong.

Gene93 · Answer

I usually hear "hold tight". That's why I thought it could be okay.

Blue Jay · Answer

"Hold tight!" by itself is a fixed expression.
Hold the drill tightly is fine.

Gene93 · Answer

Yes, it is a fixed expression. I didn't say "Hold the drill tight". But I might say "Hold tight when we go round the corner".

Wilpeter · Answer

When going round corners, I think one should "hold on tight".  Grammar rules would (of course) try to correct that to "hold on tightly" but only if you let them.

Gene93 · Answer

Does "hold on tight" sound better than just "hold tight"? I copied the sentence from Macmillan Dictionary which uses "hold tight". Is it true that "hold on tight" doesn't involve holding something?

Wilpeter · Answer

There seem to be differences in dictionary definitions of
“hold on” (wait )
“hold tight” (wait, grip firmly, continue your support)
“hold on tight” (support oneself, continue believing “hold on tight to your values”)
But mostly, they agree these are expressions.

To me, holding a tool tightly is not only tiring but reduces your feedback from the activity. I agree that a screwdriver is one tool that needs (sometimes) to be gripped tightly, because of the twisting action.
The word “holding” is tricky also: If you hold a coin in your hand, you likely are containing it; and if you hold a pencil in your hand, you are likely writing with it; and if you hold a gun, you are possibly using it. Holding onto something expands the action to include supporting yourself rather than the object being held.
In answer to your first question, “No, ‘hold on tight’ and ‘hold tight’ in the context of supporting yourself both are OK and equal. And “hold on tight” can mean a mental action sometimes (to certain opinions, values, etc.).

Expressions are regionally different - as is the way with sayings and understandings. This being an international forum, you'll get varying opinions.

firmly/tightly

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