hold out against
phr. v..phr. v.. to resist something or someone and refuse to give in, even when you are under pressure.
phr. v.. to maintain resistance against an opposing force or pressure; to refuse to yield or submit during a conflict or negotiation.
The small army held out against the invaders for weeks.
Despite the attractive offer, the homeowners held out against the developers to save their local park.
The besieged garrison managed to hold out against the enemy forces until reinforcements finally arrived at dawn.
usually followed by a noun representing an enemy, a pressure, or a tempting offer.
contrast with 'give in' or 'surrender'; the phrase emphasizes the duration and difficulty of the resistance.
They held out the pressure.They held out against the pressure.the preposition 'against' is essential to show what is being resisted; 'hold out' alone means to offer or last.