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.

"Businesses can plan for a known cost increase, but they struggle when the target keeps moving, and some are holding back on major investment and routing decisions as a result."

From BBC

Grandpa was having a hard time holding back a good laugh.

From Literature

He judged perfectly when to attack and when to hold back, working singles and twos instead against a potent Pakistan attack who were taking regular wickets at the other end.

From Barron's

The MPs in the chamber did not hold back.

From BBC

Oil futures settled lower in choppy trade after reaching a new 6-month intraday high, with U.S.-Iran nuclear talks due later this week holding back expectations of immediate U.S. military action.

From The Wall Street Journal