hold back

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We asked our staffers for their dreamiest expectations and they didn’t hold back: space epics, Matt Damon in a helmet and, yes, a “Jackass” movie.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

MarketWatch: Investors once again are faced with a decision to either chase the stock-market rally or hold back.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

As ice shelves become thinner and weaker, they lose some of their ability to hold back the glaciers behind them.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

In comparison, Mandava's look seemed to hold back.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

If she were trying to earn Minya’s praise, she wouldn’t hold back, but would use Hayva’s tenderness and grief against her.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor