He laid hold upon the opportunity and made the most of it.

He tried to lay hold upon the opportunity.

She is holding her peace and not saying anything.

He holds his peace and doesn't say a word.

She is holding her horses and waiting for the right moment to make a move.

He holds his water during long meetings.

She is holding her water during the long car ride.

Hold your horses! We're not ready to leave yet.

The hold-up plays were the highlight of the game.

She always holds her sister's mistakes over her head.