Hold back
- hesitate; restrain oneself
I held back because I wasn't sure of the way she would react.
Hold something back
- not tell or reveal something; withhold something
She told me most of the facts, but I think she's still holding something back.
Hold off
- (usually weather) be delayed
If the rain holds off, we can play tennis this afternoon.
Hold someone/something off
- keep someone/something back; restrain physically
The police had to hold off the fans when the rock group came out of their hotel.
Hold on
- wait
Hold on until I fetch help!
Hold out
- last, continue to be sufficient
- continue to function (something old or broken)
The tank's half full, but I don't think the oil will hold out until winter.
I hope the engine will hold out until we get to a car mechanic.
Hold out for something
- refuse an offer in the hope of getting more
The union has been offered five per cent, but the leaders are holding out for ten.
Hold out on someone
- (informal) refuse to tell someone something; keep a secret from someone
If I knew you were holding out on me, I'd be very annoyed.
Hold something over
- to postpone something
Can't we hold the matter over until the next meeting?
Hold someone/something up
- delay/stop someone/something
- threaten someone with a weapon and try to rob him
Sorry I'm late. I was held up by the traffic.
The robber held up four bank workers at gun-point and forced them to open the safe.
Hold with something
- approve of something
I don't hold with any kind of blood sport.
