hold out

hold someone or something out (of something) and hold someone or something out

to set someone or something aside from the rest; to prevent someone or a group from participating. Her parents held her out of sports because of her health. They held out every player who had an injury.

See also: hold, out

hold something out (to someone)

to offer something to someone. I held a bouquet of roses out to her. I held out an offer of immunity from prosecution to her, but she would not cooperate.

See also: hold, out

hold out (for someone or something)

to strive to wait for someone or something. I will hold out for someone who can do the job better than the last person we interviewed. I want to hold out for a better offer.

See also: hold, out

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hold out

1. to continue to defend yourself without being defeated The city won't be able to hold out much longer against the bombing attacks.

2. to continue to demand something in a determined way The factory workers are holding out for a pay increase.

3. to continue to be enough How much longer will our food supplies hold out?

See also: hold, out

hold out something

to offer the possibility that something will happen We don't hold out much hope of finding more survivors. Our supervisor held out the possibility that he would return to work next month.

Usage notes: often used with not as in the first example

See also: hold, out