To withstand or hold out against something; to endure and remain intact or continue despite pressure, attack, or difficult conditions.
嵐の間、古い灯台はどうにか持ちこたえた。
During the storm, the old lighthouse somehow held out.
会社は資金難の中で数年は持ちこたえたが、ついに倒産した。
The company held on for several years amid financial difficulties, but finally went bankrupt.
後半も疲れずに持ちこたえるために、ペース配分を考えよう。
Plan your pace so you can hang on without tiring in the second half.
橋は地震の衝撃に耐え、持ちこたえたと報告された。
The bridge was reported to have withstood the shock of the earthquake.