ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hold back

idiom
Meaning

To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't hold back — tell me what you really think.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though he was angry, he held back and didn't shout at his colleague.

COMPLEX

The singer held back during the first verse, saving her full power for the dramatic final chorus.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  2. 02

    apron-string hold

    An estate held by a man during his wife's life.

  3. 03

    back down

    To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

  4. 04

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  5. 05

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  6. 06

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  7. 07

    back into

    To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.

  8. 08

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

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