# retainArguments If the receiver hasn’t already done so, retains the target and all object arguments of the receiver and copies all of its C-string arguments and blocks. If a returnvalue has been set, this is also retained or copied. ``` - (void) retainArguments; ``` ## Discussion Before this method is invoked, [`argumentsRetained`](/documentation/Foundation/NSInvocation/argumentsRetained) returns ; after, it returns . For efficiency, newly created `NSInvocation` objects don’t retain or copy their arguments, nor do they retain their targets, copy C strings, or copy any associated blocks. You should instruct an `NSInvocation` object to retain its arguments if you intend to cache it, because the arguments may otherwise be released before the invocation is invoked. `NSTimer` objects always instruct their invocations to retain their arguments, for example, because there’s usually a delay before a timer fires. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)