hold out

The term 'hold out' can be used in various contexts, including negotiation, endurance, and offering something physically or figuratively.

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Definition

B1General

(common)To extend something forward, such as a hand or an object.

Example

She held out her hand to greet him.
He held out the gift for her to take.

B2Negotiation

(idiomatic)To refuse to agree or comply until certain conditions are met.

Example

The workers are holding out for better wages.
She decided to hold out for a higher offer.

B2Survival

(idiomatic)To endure or survive in a challenging situation.

Example

The soldiers managed to hold out until reinforcements arrived.
The food supplies held out longer than expected.

B2Information

(informal)To withhold something, such as information or resources.

Example

He was accused of holding out on important details.
Don't hold out on me—tell me what happened!

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hold out":

hold off hold over hold up hold in hold to hold forth hold with hold back hold on stand off hold onto hang on string out stick out hold tight hold it hang one on hole up hold together hold it in hold the fort hang tight hang off hold down eke out stand one's ground wait on drag out stand by stretch out stay out hold one's water put up a fight draw out give out show out hold one's piss hang ten hold one's breath hold good haul up stand pat hang upon hold the stage bear up hang behind sit out stand fast