8 Common Phrasal Verbs with Hold

Last updated on July 1, 2024 by Isabella Claire

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of learning English, and they can be tricky to master. One of the most commonly used is phrasal verbs with “hold.” This verb can be combined with different prepositions to create various meanings used in everyday conversation.

In the reference, you will find a list of phrasal verbs with “hold” and their meanings. There are examples for each, such as “hold up,” “hold back,” “hold down,” “hold off,” “hold on,” “hold out,” and “hold over.” Each section provides clear examples to help you understand and use these phrasal verbs correctly.

List of Phrasal Verbs with HOLD

  • Hold up
  • Hold back
  • Hold down
  • Hold in
  • Hold off
  • Hold on
  • Hold out
  • Hold over
8 Common Phrasal Verbs with Hold
Examples Phrasal Verbs with Hold – Created by 7ESL

Phrasal Verbs with HOLD: Meaning and Examples

Hold up

Hold up

  • Meaning: To maintain strength, stability, or success over time
  • Example: Despite facing many challenges, the small business managed to hold up and remain profitable.

Hold up something

  • Meaning: To rob or steal from a place, such as a bank or store, using a weapon such as a gun
  • Example: The convenience store was held up by a masked man with a gun who demanded all the cash from the register.

Hold somebody/ something up

  • Meaning: To use or present someone or something as an example or model to follow or imitate
  • Example: The coach held up the star player as an example of hard work and dedication.

Hold somebody/ something up

  • Meaning:  To cause a delay or interruption by stopping someone or something from moving forward
  • Example: The construction work held up traffic for hours.

Hold back

Hold back

  • Meaning: To refrain from doing something, often due to fear, hesitation, or a desire to avoid making a situation worse
  • Example: She held back from speaking her mind during the meeting, fearing that it would cause conflict.

Hold somebody/ something back

  • Meaning:  To prevent someone or something from developing or performing as well as they should. It can refer to physical or metaphorical obstacles that hinder progress or limit potential.
  • Example: The lack of funding held back the research project’s progress.

Hold something back

  • Meaning: To intentionally keep something from being revealed or shared with someone
  • Example: The police are holding back some details about the investigation.

Hold down, Hold in

Hold down

  • Meaning: To keep something or someone under control or to limit their actions
  • Example: We need to hold down the expenses to stay within the budget.

Hold down

  • Meaning: To continue to manage or perform a job or task well, often in the face of challenges or difficulties
  • Example: Despite the company’s financial struggles, she was able to hold down her position as CEO and turn the company around.

Hold in

  • Meaning: To suppress or restrain one’s emotions, thoughts, or feelings and not express them openly
  • Example: He wanted to laugh and could hardly hold in.

Hold off

Hold off

  • Meaning: To delay or postpone something for a short period of time, or to keep someone or something at a distance or under control.
  • Example: Can you hold off on the decision until we have all the information?

Hold off

  • Meaning: Delay commencing an action
  • Example: Can we hold off on making a decision until we have more information?

Hold on

Hold on

  • Meaning: To grasp or grip something or someone tightly with your hands or arms, in order to maintain their position or prevent them from falling or moving
  • Example: Hold on to the railing so you don’t fall down the stairs.

Hold on

  • Meaning: To retain or keep something for someone, either for safekeeping or until it is needed or requested
  • Example: Hold on to my bag for me while I buy some snacks.

Hold on

  • Meaning: To pause or wait for a brief period of time, often used as a request or instruction to someone to remain in their current position or to delay taking action
  • Example: She asked me to hold on while she finished her phone call.

Hold on

  • Meaning: To remain committed or loyal to someone or something, often in the face of difficulties or challenges
  • Example: He vowed to hold on to his integrity, even if it meant losing the job.
List of Phrasal Verbs with Hold in English
Essential Phrasal Verbs with Hold – Created by 7ESL

Hold out, Hold over

Hold out

  • Meaning: To persist or endure, often in the face of adversity or hardship, with the hope or expectation of achieving a better outcome or result
  • Example: She’s going to hold out for a better opportunity before quitting her job.

Hold out

  • Meaning: To last or endure for a long period of time, often despite difficult circumstances or challenges
  • Example: The old building managed to hold out against the storm.

Hold out

  • Meaning: To refuse to provide or give something, often with the intention or expectation of obtaining a better outcome or result in the future
  • Example: She decided to hold out on telling him the news until he came back from the trip.

Hold out

  • Meaning: To reserve or save something for a later time or purpose, often with the intention of using it when it is most needed or valuable
  • Example: Can you hold out some tickets for me for the next game?

Hold over

  • Meaning: To postpone or delay something, often with the intention of resuming or continuing it at a later time or date
  • Example: He’s going to hold out on buying the car until the price goes down.
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