Phrase guide

hold with the hare and run with the hounds

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To oppose an action or behavior and yet engage in the same action or behavior; to be a hypocrite.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated, idiomatic

Examples

  • Well, if you ask me, Pastor Hawkins is trying to hold with the hare and run with the hounds by opposing casino gambling when his church operates a bingo game every Thursday night.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To remain neutral by attempting to placate two factions or both sides of a controversy.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated, idiomatic

Examples

  • Julianna needs to be careful if she keeps holding with the hare and running with the hounds; she might wind up making enemies of both labor and management.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Italian: dare un colpo al cerchio e uno alla botte — Translations
  • Italian: from which the substantive cerchiobottista to denote the person who acts in such a way — Translations