What does "hold back" mean?
"Hold back" means to restrain or prevent - or to not say everything you're thinking. Here's how to use this phrasal verb.
Multiple meanings
1. To restrain or prevent from moving forward
"The police held back the crowd."
"Nothing can hold back progress."
"She held back her tears." (suppressed them)
2. To withhold information
"I think he's holding something back." (not telling you everything)
"Don't hold back - tell me what you really think."
3. To prevent someone from progressing
"His lack of confidence is holding him back."
"I don't want to hold you back - you should apply for the promotion."
Separable
"Hold back the crowd." β / "Hold the crowd back." β / "Hold it back." β
"Hold him back." β (pronoun must go in the middle)
Hold nothing back
To say or do everything without restraint:
"She gave the performance her all - she held nothing back."
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Casual to professional. All three meanings appear in everyday conversation.
What does "hold back" mean?
"Hold back" means to restrain or prevent - or to not say everything you're thinking. Here's how to use this phrasal verb.
Is "hold back" formal or informal?
Casual to professional. All three meanings appear in everyday conversation.
Phrasal verbs are one of the hardest parts of English to master.
LLH Tutor explains them in plain language, so you know exactly when and how to use each one.
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