English Reference

Phrasal verb

hold out

Definition

phrasal verb. to continue to resist a difficult situation or to wait for something better instead of accepting what is offered now.

phrasal verb. to continue to resist or survive in a difficult situation; also, to refuse to accept an offer in hopes of a better one. Often functions as an intransitive verb of endurance.

Examples

“The strikers are holding out for a better pay deal.”

“The small army managed to hold out against the invaders for several weeks before help arrived.”

“While the rest of the industry accepted the new regulations, one firm continued to hold out, citing concerns over operational costs.”

Examples

simple

“The strikers are holding out for a better pay deal.”

contextual

“The small army managed to hold out against the invaders for several weeks before help arrived.”

complex

“While the rest of the industry accepted the new regulations, one firm continued to hold out, citing concerns over operational costs.”

Usage

usually followed by 'for' when expressing a specific demand or 'against' when resisting an opponent.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'give in' to show the element of persistence; it is useful to mention the physical sense of 'holding out one's hand' to avoid confusion.

Pitfall

Please hold out a moment.

Please hold on a moment.

Learners often use 'hold out' when they mean 'wait a short time', which is actually 'hold on'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

hold + out

Synonyms

resistwithstandwaitendure

Antonyms

give insurrenderyield

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/hold-out
English Reference