The antonyms for the phrase "holding one's own" would be losing ground, submitting, surrendering, yielding, or giving up. These antonyms convey the opposite of maintaining one's position, power, or respect. Holding one's own means to maintain a stable and favorable position in the face of opposition or adversity, while the antonyms suggest a defeatist attitude that prompts retreat, resignation, or compromise. When one is holding one's own, they remain resilient, steadfast, and committed to their goals. Conversely, when one is not holding their own, they become vulnerable, hesitant, and passive. Thus, understanding antonyms provides a contrast to familiar phrases and helps enriches communication with nuanced language.