hold back

Meaning

To 'hold back' means to restrain or prevent someone or something from moving forward, progressing, or expressing emotions. It is often used when someone decides not to speak or act to avoid causing trouble, or when feelings are kept inside.

Examples

• She tried to hold back her tears during the movie, but she couldn't.

  She tried to hold back her tears during the movie, but she couldn't.

• Don't let fear hold you back from applying for your dream job.

  Don't let fear hold you back from applying for your dream job.

• I wanted to say something, but I held back because I didn't want to start an argument.

  I wanted to say something, but I held back because I didn't want to start an argument.

• The police line was set up to hold back the crowd.

  The police line was set up to hold back the crowd.

• If you have any questions, please don't hold back.

  If you have any questions, please don't hold back.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He held back to tell the truth.

  ✓ He held back from telling the truth.

  When 'hold back' is followed by an action, use the preposition 'from' and the gerund (-ing form), not a infinitive.

• ✗ Don't hold back of your ideas.

  ✓ Don't hold back your ideas.

  Do not use 'of' after 'hold back' when introducing a direct object.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I wanted to tell him what I really thought, but I decided to ___.

  💡 decided not to speak to avoid trouble

  Show answer

  hold back

• Nothing should ___ you ___ from achieving your goals.

  💡 prevent you from moving forward

  Show answer

  hold back