keep back
The phrase "keep back" is versatile, commonly used to express restraint, distance, secrecy, retention, and control.
Definition
B1General
(informal)To retain possession of something and not give it to someone else.
Example
- He kept back half of the money for himself.
B2Communication
(general)To withhold information or emotions.
Example
- She kept back her feelings during the meeting.
B1Control
(general)To prevent someone or something from advancing or progressing.
Example
- The police kept back the crowd from the accident scene.
B2Planning
(general)To reserve a portion of something for future use.
Example
- Keep back some of the sauce for later.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "keep back":
hold backstay backstand backkeep awayback offpush backstay behinddraw backback awaymove backpull backstep backhold offturn backkeep outrun backkeep fromset backback outhang behindwalk backtake backwatch one's backkeep away fromrear backback uprow backstand behindturn one's backput backstay outstepping backfall backstand asidekeep at arm's lengthfight backkeep downback downtake a back seatkick backbite backhit backon the back footknock backblock offget backdraw awaythrow backpush awaystand offgo backwardslay backstep asidesit backpull awayat baylook backturn awaytime backdrop backhide behindfall behindget behindfend offcut backward offkeep ingo back onway backbrush backrun behindbear offwalk back the catroll backkeep at