Phrasal Verbs with Hold

Master essential Phrasal Verbs for effective communication. Explore their versatile meanings and contexts to enhance your English skills.

• Hold back (Act with reserve; to contain one’s full measure or power):
  • He always holds back his emotions and rarely shows his true feelings.
  • She held back her true opinions during the meeting to avoid conflict.
  • Don't hold back your creativity; express yourself freely.
• Hold back (Contain; stop):
  • The dam was built to hold back the floodwaters.
  • He struggled to hold back his tears at the emotional farewell.
  • The police used barriers to hold back the crowd during the protest.
• Hold back (Delay the progress of, especially in school):
  • He was held back a year in school due to academic difficulties.
  • The student's poor attendance may hold him back from graduating.
  • The lack of resources can hold back students' learning progress.
• Hold down (Restrain; to check):
  • The strong winds were difficult to hold down the kite.
  • He struggled to hold down his anger in the face of criticism.
  • It's important to hold down your expenses during tough times.
• Hold down (Continue; to hold and manage well):
  • She was able to hold down two jobs and still have time for her hobbies.
  • He has been able to hold down a steady job for over five years.
  • Despite the challenges, she managed to hold down a successful career.
• Hold in (Restrain oneself):
  • She tried to hold in her laughter during the serious meeting.
  • He couldn't hold in his excitement and started jumping up and down.
  • It's important to hold in your anger and respond calmly.
• Hold off (Delay someone or something temporarily; to keep at bay):
  • We managed to hold off the attackers until help arrived.
  • The rain held off until we finished the outdoor event.
  • They were able to hold off the competition and secure the contract.
• Hold off (Delay commencing; delay commencing an action):
  • Let's hold off on making a decision until we have more information.
  • They decided to hold off on announcing the new product launch.
  • We should hold off starting the project until the team is fully prepared.
• Hold on (Grasp or grip firmly):
  • Hold on tightly to the railing as you climb the stairs.
  • She held on to her friend's hand for support during the scary movie.
  • Hold on to the rope while I pull you up.
• Hold on (Keep; to store something for someone):
  • Can you hold on to my bag while I grab a coffee?
  • I'll hold on to these documents for you until you need them.
  • She asked her neighbor to hold on to her spare key while she was away.
• Hold on (Wait a short time):
  • Hold on, I'll be with you in just a moment.
  • He asked the audience to hold on while he adjusted the microphone.
  • We need to hold on for a few more minutes until the bus arrives.
• Hold on (Remain loyal):
  • Despite the challenges, she held on to her principles and values.
  • He held on to his faith during difficult times.
  • They held on to their friendship despite living in different cities.
• Hold out (Wait, or refuse in hopes of getting something better):
  • She held out for a higher salary before accepting the job offer.
  • He decided to hold out for a better deal on the car.
  • They held out hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
• Hold out (Survive, endure):
  • The soldiers held out despite being outnumbered and low on supplies.
  • She held out through the difficult times and eventually found success.
  • They were able to hold out until help arrived.
• Hold out (Withhold something; set something aside or save it for later):
  • He decided to hold out some money for emergencies.
  • She held out the last piece of cake for her friend.
  • They held out the information until the right moment to reveal it.
• Hold over (Save, delay):
  • We managed to hold over some food from dinner for the next day.
  • The meeting was held over until the following week due to scheduling conflicts.
  • The movie's popularity allowed it to hold over in theaters for several months.
• Hold up (Wait or delay):
  • Sorry for holding you up earlier; I got caught in traffic.
  • They were held up at the airport due to a flight delay.
  • We were held up by a sudden rainstorm on our way to the party.
• Hold up (Impede; detain):
  • The construction work held up traffic on the main road.
  • They were held up at customs for questioning.
  • The accident held up the delivery of the goods.
• Hold up (Support or lift):
  • The sturdy pillars hold up the roof of the building.
  • She used her hand to hold up the heavy box.
  • He struggled to hold up the weight of his backpack.
• Hold up (Fulfill or complete one’s part of an agreement):
  • Make sure you hold up your end of the deal.
  • They failed to hold up their promises, causing disappointment.
  • He always holds up his responsibilities and never lets anyone down.
• Hold up (Rob at gunpoint):
  • They were held up by masked thieves while walking home.
  • The convenience store was held up during the late-night robbery.
  • She was startled when a stranger held her up and demanded her belongings.

Note: Practice using these Phrasal Verbs in your own sentences and share them in the comments section below. This will help reinforce your understanding and improve your fluency in English. Keep up the great work! Course Home