hold back

Definitions

1. 1

   To act with reserve

   To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.

   • Don't hold back. Hit it as hard as you can.
   • 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. 2

   To contain

   To contain; stop.

   • The dam can't hold back that much water.
   • 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. 3

   To delay the progress of, especially in school.

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

The neighborhood