hold out
Third Person
holds out
Present Participle
holding out
Past Tense
held out
Past Participle
held out
1
to extend one's hand or an object toward someone, often to give or offer something to them
transitive
- She held out her hand, offering a warm handshake to greet the visitor.
- The child held out a bouquet of flowers to her mother as a surprise.
- For the signing of the contract, he held out a pen.
- As they were seated, the waiter held the menu out to the customers.
2
to survive no matter how dangerous or threatening the circumstances are
- She managed to hold out in the wilderness for a week with limited supplies.
- The small town held out against the floodwaters, thanks to community efforts.
- Despite the harsh conditions, the team was determined to hold out.
- They had to hold out for days until rescue arrived.
- The soldiers had to hold out against enemy forces during a fierce battle.
3
to remain sufficient over a period of time
- The town's resources must hold out through the harsh winter months.
- Our supplies need to hold out until the rescue team arrives.
- The small group of survivors rationed their food and water, making it hold out until rescue arrived.
- The food should hold out for a few more days if we ration it carefully.
- Our water supply won’t hold out much longer without rain.
4
to wait or withhold something, often with the intention of negotiation or resistance
- He decided to hold out for a higher salary during negotiations.
- The company is holding out on releasing the new product until market conditions improve.
- He's holding out on sharing the key information with the team.
- She held out on giving her approval until further clarification.
- Jane held out for a better job offer before accepting.
5
to reserve something for later use or consideration
transitive
- She decided to hold out a portion of her salary for future investments.
- He held out a part of the food to enjoy as a snack later.
- We'll hold out some of the budget for unexpected expenses.
- It's wise to hold out a few vacation days for a special trip.
- The chef held out some fresh herbs to garnish the dish.
6
to present an opportunity, hope, or potential for something positive or desired to occur
transitive
- His research holds out the hope of finding a cure for the disease.
- The company's innovative technology holds out the possibility of a brighter future.
- This program holds out a chance for disadvantaged youth to succeed.
- Their discovery holds out the promise of a more sustainable energy source.
- The scholarship program holds out opportunities for talented students.
7
to maintain a feeling of hope or optimism in a situation, often with caution or skepticism
transitive
- She's not holding out hope for a quick recovery, given the severity of the illness.
- After the recent setbacks, they are still holding out optimism for a successful project.
- She wasn't holding out much hope for a promotion this year.
- Despite the challenges, she's holding out for success.
- He's not holding out much expectation for a resolution.
8
to withhold something, such as information or resources
transitive
- She held out on him until the right moment.
- The company manager was accused of holding out vital information from the team.
- The witness admitted to holding out certain details during the initial questioning.
- He felt betrayed when he discovered that his friend had been holding out on him.
9
to continue to operate or function
- In the storm, they prayed that the makeshift shelter would hold out.
- Despite the wear and tear, they hoped the old car battery would hold out a little longer.
- The team was concerned about whether the equipment would hold out for the entire mission.
- As the temperatures dropped, they wondered if the heating system would hold out through the winter.
- The villagers hoped the aging bridge would hold out during the heavy rains.