Hold back on Meaning in English
expression
ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈbæk/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
HOHLD-BAK-AHN
hˈəʊld/ /bˈæk/ /ˈɒn
HOHLD-BAK-ON
Definition
To delay, hold back, or not give your full effort, support, or opinion about something. It can mean hesitating or choosing not to commit completely.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal and conversational. Common with 'hold back on giving advice/information/payments'. Can imply reluctance, hesitation, or intentionally not putting in full effort or resources.
Spanish: retrasar - contenerse respecto a - no dar todo (algo)Portuguese (BR): segurar - adiar - não se entregar totalmente aPortuguese (PT): segurar - adiar - não se entregar totalmente aChinese (Simplified): 拖延 - 保留 - 不全力投入Chinese (Traditional): 拖延 - 保留 - 不全力投入Hindi: रोकना - पूरा न देनाArabic: يؤخّر - يتحفظ في - لا يعطي بالكاملBengali: দ্বিধা করা - সংযত থাকা - পুরোটা না দেওয়াRussian: сдерживаться - воздерживаться - не выкладываться на полнуюJapanese: 控える - 抑える - 出し惜しみするVietnamese: kiềm chế - ngần ngại - giữ lạiKorean: 주저하다 - 감추다 - 적극적으로 하지 않다Turkish: çekimser kalmak - geri durmak - tam yapmamakUrdu: ہچکچانا - پیچھے ہٹنا - مکمل اظہار نہ کرناIndonesian: menahan diri - ragu-ragu - tidak memberikan sepenuhnya
Example Sentences
She decided to hold back on her opinion during the meeting.
basic
Please don't hold back on your feelings.
basic
The company will hold back on the new project until next year.
basic
If you hold back on help, it only makes things harder for everyone.
natural
Why did you hold back on telling me the truth?
natural
Don’t hold back on the details—I want to know everything.
natural