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.

Erick Erickson, the conservative radio host and founder of the RedState political blog, did not hold back.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

On the falling roll, Mansfield says the DfE should be doing "more thinking", though you "can't hold back the tide" when a school's numbers have reduced too dramatically to keep it open.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

“Recent increases for long-term interest rates will continue to hold back home buyer demand,” Robert Dietz, the trade group’s chief economist said in a statement.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

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

Mr. Squirrel shouted as he struggled to hold back Silent Sam.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques