- Hold back (Act with reserve; to contain one’s full measure or power):
- He always holds back his emotions and rarely shows his true feelings.
- She held back her true opinions during the meeting to avoid conflict.
- Don't hold back your creativity; express yourself freely.
- Hold back (Contain; stop):
- The dam was built to hold back the floodwaters.
- He struggled to hold back his tears at the emotional farewell.
- The police used barriers to hold back the crowd during the protest.
- Hold back (Delay the progress of, especially in school):
- He was held back a year in school due to academic difficulties.
- The student's poor attendance may hold him back from graduating.
- The lack of resources can hold back students' learning progress.
- Hold down (Restrain; to check):
- The strong winds were difficult to hold down the kite.
- He struggled to hold down his anger in the face of criticism.
- It's important to hold down your expenses during tough times.
- Hold down (Continue; to hold and manage well):
- She was able to hold down two jobs and still have time for her hobbies.
- He has been able to hold down a steady job for over five years.
- Despite the challenges, she managed to hold down a successful career.
- Hold in (Restrain oneself):
- She tried to hold in her laughter during the serious meeting.
- He couldn't hold in his excitement and started jumping up and down.
- It's important to hold in your anger and respond calmly.
- Hold off (Delay someone or something temporarily; to keep at bay):
- We managed to hold off the attackers until help arrived.
- The rain held off until we finished the outdoor event.
- They were able to hold off the competition and secure the contract.
- Hold off (Delay commencing; delay commencing an action):
- Let's hold off on making a decision until we have more information.
- They decided to hold off on announcing the new product launch.
- We should hold off starting the project until the team is fully prepared.
- Hold on (Grasp or grip firmly):
- Hold on tightly to the railing as you climb the stairs.
- She held on to her friend's hand for support during the scary movie.
- Hold on to the rope while I pull you up.
- Hold on (Keep; to store something for someone):
- Can you hold on to my bag while I grab a coffee?
- I'll hold on to these documents for you until you need them.
- She asked her neighbor to hold on to her spare key while she was away.
- Hold on (Wait a short time):
- Hold on, I'll be with you in just a moment.
- He asked the audience to hold on while he adjusted the microphone.
- We need to hold on for a few more minutes until the bus arrives.
- Hold on (Remain loyal):
- Despite the challenges, she held on to her principles and values.
- He held on to his faith during difficult times.
- They held on to their friendship despite living in different cities.
- Hold out (Wait, or refuse in hopes of getting something better):
- She held out for a higher salary before accepting the job offer.
- He decided to hold out for a better deal on the car.
- They held out hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- Hold out (Survive, endure):
- The soldiers held out despite being outnumbered and low on supplies.
- She held out through the difficult times and eventually found success.
- They were able to hold out until help arrived.
- Hold out (Withhold something; set something aside or save it for later):
- He decided to hold out some money for emergencies.
- She held out the last piece of cake for her friend.
- They held out the information until the right moment to reveal it.
- Hold over (Save, delay):
- We managed to hold over some food from dinner for the next day.
- The meeting was held over until the following week due to scheduling conflicts.
- The movie's popularity allowed it to hold over in theaters for several months.
- Hold up (Wait or delay):
- Sorry for holding you up earlier; I got caught in traffic.
- They were held up at the airport due to a flight delay.
- We were held up by a sudden rainstorm on our way to the party.
- Hold up (Impede; detain):
- The construction work held up traffic on the main road.
- They were held up at customs for questioning.
- The accident held up the delivery of the goods.
- Hold up (Support or lift):
- The sturdy pillars hold up the roof of the building.
- She used her hand to hold up the heavy box.
- He struggled to hold up the weight of his backpack.
- Hold up (Fulfill or complete one’s part of an agreement):
- Make sure you hold up your end of the deal.
- They failed to hold up their promises, causing disappointment.
- He always holds up his responsibilities and never lets anyone down.
- Hold up (Rob at gunpoint):
- They were held up by masked thieves while walking home.
- The convenience store was held up during the late-night robbery.
- She was startled when a stranger held her up and demanded her belongings.
Phrasal Verbs with Hold
Master essential Phrasal Verbs for effective communication. Explore their versatile meanings and contexts to enhance your English skills.