hold out

To move your hand or something you are holding forward toward someone.

• Hold out your hand.
• He held out a flower to her.
• The child was holding out both arms for a hug.

How to use it: hold out something to someone (She held out the tickets to the guard.); hold something out (Hold it out so I can see it.)

Similar words: extend, stretch out

Common phrases: hold out your hand, hold out a cup, hold something out

To refuse an offer or delay agreeing because you hope to get something better.

• She is holding out for more money.
• We held out until they offered free delivery.
• Will the workers hold out for a better deal?

How to use it: hold out for something (They are holding out for a higher price.)

Similar words: wait, stand firm

Opposites: give in

Common phrases: hold out for more, hold out for something, continue to hold out

To continue surviving or resisting despite difficult conditions; for supplies, to remain available.

• Can you hold out until morning?
• The village held out against the attack for weeks.
• Our food will not hold out much longer.

How to use it: hold out against someone/something (The defenders held out against a much larger army.); hold out until something (Our supplies should hold out until help arrives.)

Similar words: last, endure, resist

Opposites: give in

Common phrases: hold out longer, hold out until morning, hold out without food

To offer or suggest that something good might happen or become available.

• The treatment holds out hope.
• The offer held out the promise of a better life.
• Does this research hold out any possibility of a cure?

How to use it: hold out something to someone (The plan holds out hope to families struggling with debt.); hold out the prospect of something (The discovery holds out the prospect of cheaper energy.)

Similar words: offer, promise

Common phrases: hold out hope, hold out a promise, hold out a possibility

To keep information or something useful from someone instead of sharing it.

• Are you holding out on me?
• She held out on us about the spare key.
• He had extra food and was holding out on the others.

How to use it: hold out on someone (You knew the answer, but you held out on me.)

Similar words: withhold, keep back

Opposites: share

Common phrases: hold out on someone, hold out on friends

To keep something separate so that you can use it later.

• Hold out two boxes for later.
• She held out some seeds for next spring.
• We packed the food but held out a few snacks.

How to use it: hold out something for someone/something (Hold out some paint for the final repairs.)

Similar words: set aside, reserve, save

Common phrases: hold out a few, hold something out