hold out

present singular third person holds out · participle present holding out · participle past held out · past held out · alternative hold-out · alternative holdout

1. literallytransitiveTo hold (something) out; to extend (something) forward.

   He held out his hand, and I grabbed it.

   2 more examples

   I held out my hand, and the horrible, soft-spoken, eyeless creature gripped it in a moment like a vise. I was so much startled that I struggled to withdraw; but the blind man pulled me close up to him with a single action of his arm.

   1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, London; Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, →OCLC

   And you stare at me In your Jesus Christ pose Arms held out Like you've been carrying a load

   1991, Soundgarden, “Jesus Christ Pose”, in Chris Cornell (lyrics), Badmotorfinger (grunge), Track 4

2. figurativelyTo offer, present (a hope, possibility, opportunity etc.)

   The prospectus held out the promise of enormous profits to be made.

   1 more example

   Mr Baxter did not hold out much encouragement in the circumstances. "You can scarcely expect to find anyone at business now," he remarked.

   1914, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], Max Carrados

3. idiomaticoftenTo wait, or refuse in hopes of getting something better (from a negotiation, etc.)

   I am holding out for more money.

   1 more example

   How long has he been holding out?

4. idiomaticTo survive, endure.

   How long can they hold out without water?

   2 more examples

   Stevan Jovetic gave Montenegro hope when he unleashed a pile-driver but Wales held out for a much-needed win.

   2011 September 2, “Wales 2-1 Montenegro”, in BBC

   For the third game in a row, the Boks held out with just one point after seeing off France and England in the quarters and semis respectively.

   2023 October 28, Leighton Koopman, “YES!!! The Springboks beat the All Blacks to win another Rugby World Cup title”, in Independent Online

5. idiomaticusuallywith onTo withhold something.

   You've got a key! Why have you been holding out on me?

6. transitiveTo set aside something or save it for later.

   Pack the boxes, but hold out a few blue ones for later.

plural hold outs · alternative hold-out · alternative holdout

1. alternativeAlternative spelling of holdout.