Hold out on Meaning in English
expression
ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈaʊt/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
HOHLD-owt-AHN
hˈəʊld/ /ˈaʊt/ /ˈɒn
HOHLD-owt-ON
Definition
To refuse to share information, resources, or something valuable with someone, often when they expect you to.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used when someone is suspected of keeping secrets or not sharing fairly. Common in phrases like 'Don't hold out on me!'. Usually about withholding things that others think they deserve to know or have.
Spanish: ocultar información - no compartirPortuguese (BR): omitir informações - reterPortuguese (PT): omitir informações - reterChinese (Simplified): 隐瞒（信息等）- 不透露Chinese (Traditional): 隱瞞（資訊等）- 不透露Hindi: जानकारी छुपाना - साझा न करनाArabic: يخفي المعلومات - لا يشاركBengali: লুকিয়ে রাখা - গোপন রাখাRussian: утаивать - скрыватьJapanese: 隠す - 教えないVietnamese: giấu giữ - không chia sẻKorean: 숨기다 - 감추다Turkish: gizlemek - saklamakUrdu: چھپانا - راز رکھناIndonesian: menyembunyikan - tidak berbagi
Example Sentences
Don't hold out on your friends if you have good news.
basic
He held out on me and didn't tell me about the meeting.
basic
Are you holding out on us about the surprise?
basic
Come on, don't hold out on me—what really happened last night?
natural
I know you're holding out on something—your face says it all.
natural
Why did you hold out on us about the money?
natural