Pronunciation: [hˈə͡ʊldz swˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
"Holds sway" is a phrase that means to have power or control over something or someone. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /həʊldz sweɪ/. The "h" at the beginning of "holds" is silent, and the "ow" sound in "sway" is spelled with the letters "o" and "w". The "s" in "sway" is pronounced as a voiceless consonant, and the word stress is on the second syllable, "sway."
"Holds sway" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the state or condition in which someone or something possesses authority, control, or dominance over a particular situation, group of people, or a given period of time. It suggests that a person, idea, belief, or influential entity wields considerable influence or power and is able to dictate or shape the course of events, opinions, or decisions.
When someone or something "holds sway," it implies that they have the ability to exert significant influence, often due to their charisma, knowledge, or position of authority. This influence can be in various areas, such as politics, business, or social spheres, and predicated upon factors such as credibility, popularity, or fear.
The expression also implies that the entity holding sway is able to maintain their control or influence continuously for an extended period, suggesting a sense of stability and endurance. It often denotes a dominance that is undisputed or unchallenged, as if the person or thing has a firm grasp or firm control over the situation or individuals involved.
Overall, when someone or something "holds sway," it conveys the notion of being in a position of power, control, or influence, where their opinions, actions, or decisions carry significant weight and are given serious consideration by others in a given context or setting.
The phrase "holds sway" is an idiomatic expression that combines two separate words, each with their own etymology:
1. Holds: The word "holds" is the third person singular present tense of the verb "hold", meaning to possess or maintain control over something. The origin of "hold" can be traced back to the Old English word "healdan", which is of Germanic origin.
2. Sway: The word "sway" is a noun that refers to influence or control over someone or something. The verb form of "sway" means to move or swing back and forth. It is derived from the Old Norse word "sveigja", which also means to sway or bend.
So, when combined, the phrase "holds sway" suggests a person or thing has control, influence, or power over others in a figurative sense.
