hold off
B2Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
To delay or postpone an action; to keep at a distance.
To resist or withstand something or someone; to wait before doing something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a phrasal verb. Can be transitive ('hold off the attack') or intransitive ('Let's hold off until tomorrow'). Often implies a temporary or tactical delay.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Hold off on something' (e.g., 'hold off on the decision') is slightly more common in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it suggests caution, prudence, or tactical waiting.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English based on corpus data, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
hold off (intransitive)hold off [on] + NP/V-inghold off + NP (transitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hold off the wolves”
- “Hold off the inevitable”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We'll hold off on the launch until the market stabilises."
Academic
"The researcher decided to hold off publication pending further data."
Everyday
"Can we hold off dinner? I'll be home late."
Technical
"The firewall managed to hold off the initial wave of attacks."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They managed to hold off the creditors for another month.
- I think we should hold off ordering new stock.
- Can you hold off the dog while I open the gate?
American English
- Let's hold off on the renovations until spring.
- The pitcher held off the opposing team's rally.
- We held off buying a car.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Hold off! Wait for me!
- The rain held off until we got home.
- We decided to hold off our holiday until next year.
- He held off the other runners and won the race.
- The company will hold off on announcing the merger until regulatory approval is secured.
- Our defences held off the initial cyberattack.
- The central bank is likely to hold off raising interest rates given the fragile economic indicators.
- Diplomats worked tirelessly to hold off a full-scale conflict.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a goalkeeper HOLDing his arms OUT to keep the ball OFF the goal = HOLD OFF the attack.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (delaying is keeping something at a distance); DEFENCE IS HOLDING A POSITION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'держать выключенным' (keep switched off). It does not mean to physically hold something that is off. Confusion with 'отложить' (put aside) is common, but 'hold off' is more active resistance or intentional waiting.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun (*a hold off), Using wrong preposition (*hold off from doing), Confusing with 'hold on' (wait a moment).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'hold off' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'hold off on + noun/noun phrase' (e.g., 'hold off on the project') is standard, particularly in American English.
'Hold off' often implies a shorter, more tactical delay or active resistance. 'Put off' suggests a longer postponement and can imply procrastination or reluctance.
Yes, intransitively: 'The storm held off.' or 'Let's hold off for a while.'
Not always. It describes the attempt or action. 'They tried to hold off the enemy' doesn't guarantee they succeeded.