Keep back Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To prevent someone or something from moving forward, to withhold information or emotions, or to save something for later use.
Usage & Nuances
Usually somewhat formal or neutral. Common collocations: 'keep back the truth', 'keep back tears', 'keep back a portion'. Can refer to physical restraint or withholding information or emotions. Not the same as 'hold back', though sometimes similar in meaning.
Spanish: retener - guardar - contenerPortuguese (BR): reter - guardar - conterPortuguese (PT): reter - guardar - conterChinese (Simplified): 保留 - 隐瞒 - 抑制Chinese (Traditional): 保留 - 隱瞞 - 抑制Hindi: रोक कर रखना - छुपानाArabic: يحجز - يخفي - يكبحBengali: পেছনে রাখা - গোপন রাখা - সংযত রাখাRussian: сдерживать - удерживать - утаиватьJapanese: 控える - 隠す - とっておくVietnamese: giữ lại - kìm nén - che giấuKorean: 막다 - 감추다 - 남겨두다Turkish: geride tutmak - gizlemek - saklamakUrdu: روکنا - چھپانا - محفوظ رکھناIndonesian: menahan - menyembunyikan - menyisakan
Example Sentences
I tried to keep back my anger during the meeting.
basic
Can you keep back some cake for me?
basic
He tried to keep back the truth from his parents.
natural
I had to keep back my tears at the farewell party.
natural
The police told the crowd to keep back as the fire got worse.
natural
Please keep back from the edge of the platform.
basic