hold off
Third Person
holds off
Present Participle
holding off
Past Tense
held off
Past Participle
held off
1
to resist defeat or unfavorable outcomes through defense or delay
transitive
- The team managed to hold the opposing team off until the final whistle.
- The company's innovative approach helped them hold off bankruptcy during the economic downturn.
- She held the attackers off with her impressive martial arts skills.
- The medication helped hold off the symptoms of the illness for a while.
- His quick thinking allowed him to hold off the opponents and emerge victorious.
2
to refrain from taking immediate action
transitive
- She decided to hold off on buying a new car until she had saved more money.
- The team chose to hold off the project launch until they had resolved the critical issues.
- We should hold off on making a decision until we have more information.
- Many investors are holding off on selling their stocks in anticipation of a market rebound.
- The teacher advised the students to hold off on submitting their assignments until the deadline.
3
(of storms or rains) to not begin for a period of time
- The dark clouds threatened, but the rain held off during the outdoor wedding ceremony.
- We were grateful that the storm held off until after we finished the hike.
- The downpour was forecast, but it miraculously held off for the outdoor concert.
- The weather forecast predicted rain, but it held off for the entire soccer match.
- The meteorologists said the storm would hold off until evening.