11.   Quebec separatists may have lost a bid to break away from Canada, but their strong showing is pressuring Canada to loosen its hold on the provinces.

12.   Still China remains a tightly controlled dictatorship, albeit one that is loosening its hold.

13.   The mayor says that he will loosen his hold over internal decision making in the coming year.

14.   The past is beginning to loosen its hold on her.

15.   The U.S.-backed plan would loosen the hold Russia has over former Soviet states, but the United States contends it will foster democracy in those emerging nations.

16.   A loss of prestige by the leadership could loosen its hold on its foot soldiers and criminal enterprises.

17.   As President Clinton telephoned European leaders, Boeing Co. volunteers in a last-minute concession to loosen its hold on exclusive U.S. airline contracts.

18.   Boeing also made a last-minute concession to loosen its hold on exclusive U.S. airline contracts.

19.   There have been signs that banks are already loosening their hold on loans.