Hold it in Meaning in English
expression
ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn
HOHLD-it-IN
hˈəʊld/ /ˈɪt/ /ˈɪn
HOHLD-it-IN
Definition
To stop yourself from expressing a feeling, need, or reaction, such as emotions, tears, or bodily functions.
Usage & Nuances
Informal; often used for emotions ('hold it in' = suppress feelings or tears), or for bodily needs (like urine). Common collocations: 'hold your tears in', 'hold laughter in'. Can sound unhealthy if referring to emotions—better to express them in many contexts.
Spanish: aguantarse - reprimirloPortuguese (BR): segurar - reprimirPortuguese (PT): aguentar - reprimirChinese (Simplified): 忍住Chinese (Traditional): 忍住Hindi: रोक कर रखनाArabic: حبسهBengali: দমন করা - চেপে রাখা - আটকে রাখাRussian: сдерживатьJapanese: 我慢する - 抑えるVietnamese: kìm nén - nhịnKorean: 참다 - 억누르다Turkish: içine atmak - tutmakUrdu: روکنا - دباناIndonesian: menahan - memendam
Example Sentences
I tried to hold it in, but I started crying.
basic
He couldn't hold it in and laughed out loud.
basic
If you need to use the bathroom, don't hold it in too long.
basic
Sometimes it's better not to hold it in—just talk about your feelings.
natural
She was so angry, but she tried hard to hold it in at work.
natural
Don't hold it in—if you have to laugh, just laugh!
natural