hold back

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

hold back (third-person singular simple present holds back, present participle holding back, simple past and past participle held back)

1. (idiomatic, intransitive) To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.

   Don't hold back. Hit it as hard as you can.

2. (idiomatic, transitive) To contain; stop.

   The dam can't hold back that much water.

   • 2011 January 8, Chris Bevan, “Arsenal 1 - 1 Leeds”, in BBC‎:

     Fabregas coolly slotted home after Ben Parker held back Theo Walcott and only a super Kasper Schmeichel save stopped Denilson winning it for the Gunners.

3. (idiomatic, transitive) To delay the progress of, especially in school.

   He's a year older than his classmates, because he was held back in second grade.