# hold back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Don't hold back — tell me what you really think.
- Even though he was angry, he held back and didn't shout at his colleague.
- The singer held back during the first verse, saving her full power for the dramatic final chorus.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.