Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
English for Daily LifeEnglish for Social ConnectionEnglish for WorkVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Use expressions for taking charge while someone is away and for describing a well-protected place.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode explains “hold down the fort” as taking responsibility for a place or operation while the usual person in charge is away. It also uses Fort Knox as an image for a place that is difficult to enter or especially secure.
Cultural note: “Hold down the fort” is a friendly idiom for temporarily taking charge; it does not usually refer to a military fort. “Like Fort Knox” may praise strong security or suggest something is difficult to access, depending on context.
Keep exploringWhen the person in charge steps away, someone else keeps things running. Explore the related image of a place protected like Fort Knox.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe looking after a home, team, or workplace while someone is away.
Meaning
Take care of a place or operation while the person usually responsible is away.
Tone & use
Informal and common in everyday American English. It often implies keeping routine things running.
Example
“I’ll hold down the fort at the front desk while you meet with the supplier.”
Meaning
Stay in charge and look after a place or group for a while.
Tone & use
A shorter version of “hold down the fort”; the exact wording varies by speaker.
Example
“Could you hold the fort for ten minutes while I pick up the delivery?”
Talk about places that are difficult to enter or carefully protected.
Meaning
Extremely secure or difficult to get into.
Tone & use
Informal comparison named after the heavily protected U.S. gold depository; can be praise or mild complaint.
Example
“The research files are protected like Fort Knox, with two separate logins required.”
Meaning
Secured so thoroughly that entry is difficult.
Tone & use
Informal; use for security or access, not to encourage trespassing.
Example
“The equipment room is locked up tight after hours.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3
