# hold back from

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hold-back-from
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to stop yourself from doing or saying something that you want to do.

For teachers: to exercise self-restraint or hesitation in performing an action; often implies a conscious decision to refrain due to fear, politeness, or uncertainty.

## Examples

- I wanted to shout, but I held back from saying anything.
- She held back from buying the expensive dress because she knew she had to save money for rent.
- Despite his intense frustration with the committee's decision, the director held back from criticizing his colleagues in the public forum.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He held back from to tell the truth." but "He held back from telling the truth." — the preposition 'from' must be followed by a gerund (-ing) rather than an infinitive.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a gerund (-ing form) or a noun phrase.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'refrain from' (more formal) and 'hesitate' (focuses on the delay rather than the restraint); emphasize that 'from' is necessary when an action follows.

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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.