Hold it down is a frequently used idiom that means keeping things under control or maintaining a calm atmosphere. However, there are quite a few antonyms for this phrase which include ramp up, agitate, unsettle, and stir up. Ramp up means to increase or intensify something, like noise, excitement or chaos. Agitate means to disturb, provoke, or irritate someone. Unsettle means to create a feeling of discomfort, insecurity or unease. It can refer to either external or internal causes. Stir up means to create confusion or trouble, or to urge someone to do something. While hold it down conveys a sense of orderliness, its antonyms express quite the opposite.