hold the fort
To defend a fort successfully; fight off attackers.
The little group held the fort for days until help came.
To keep a position against opposing forces.
Friends of civil liberties held the fort during a long debate.
to keep service or operations going.
It was Christmas Eve, and a few workers held the fort in the office.
Mother and Father went out and told the children to hold the fort.
last ditch
last-ditch effort
last stand
The last place that can be defended; the last resort.
They will fight reform to the last ditch.
put forth
To produce; issue; send out.
In the spring the apple trees put forth beautiful white blossoms.
The chairman of the board put forth an innovative proposal that was circulated by mail.
set forth
To explain exactly or clearly.
The President set forth his plans in a television talk.
To start to go somewhere; begin a trip.
The troop set forth on their ten-mile hike early.
too close for comfort
Perilously near (said of bad things).
When the sniper's bullet hit the road the journalist exclaimed, "Gosh, that was too close for comfort!"