hold pat

[veracity]

Hi,

"Analysts believe that OPEC's decision to hold pat in the face of sharply falling demand for oil was not an easy one."

http://www.businessweek.com/globalb...op+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+++analysis

It is not difficult to understand it as "not to decrease the production of oil" from the first part of the text. But what is the meaning of "to hold pat" in general?

Thank you.

 

[suzi br]

It's probably intended to say "hold fast".

 

[Cypherpunk]

If you hold pat, you are going to maintain your position. I learned this as a poker phrase, when you hold pat with your bet, instead of folding (giving up your cards). It doesn't mean do nothing, instead it means that you will match other people's bets without raising, so you can stay in the game.

 

[suzi br]

Or: I just don't know any gambling jargon!

 

[Cypherpunk]

Well, hold fast or hold tight both make sense, too. Of the two, I think hold fast works better.

 

[cuchuflete]

Hold pat is known in AE, but we usually use a slightly different form: stand pat. It means to remain steadfastly in place, not yielding.

Here is Random House Unabridged for stand pat:

7. stand pat, a. to cling or hold firm to one's decision, policy, or beliefs: The government must stand pat in its policy. b. Poker. to play a hand as dealt, without drawing other cards.