hold back

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hold back (third-person singular simple present holds back, present participle holding back, simple past and past participle held back)

1. (idiomatic, intransitive) To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.

   Synonym: pull punches

   Coordinate terms: pull back, stand back

   Don't hold back. Hit it as hard as you can.

   • 2023 October 4, Mel Holley, “Network News: Conservative MPs criticise ticket office closure plans”, in RAIL, number 993, page 23:

     The TSSA union, which along with the RMT represents many of the staff affected by the closures, hasn't held back on its criticism.

2. (idiomatic, transitive) To contain; stop.

   Coordinate terms: hold down, hold off, set back

   The dam can't hold back that much water.

   • 2011 January 8, Chris Bevan, “Arsenal 1 - 1 Leeds”, in BBC‎:

     Fabregas coolly slotted home after Ben Parker held back Theo Walcott and only a super Kasper Schmeichel save stopped Denilson winning it for the Gunners.

3. (idiomatic, transitive) To delay the progress of, especially in school.

   Coordinate term: set back

   He's a year older than his classmates, because he was held back in second grade.