hold over

hold someone or something over

to retain someone or something (for a period of time). The storm held John over for another day. The manager held over the hit movie for another week.

See also: hold

hold something over someone('s head)

Fig. to have knowledge of something about a person and to use that knowledge to control the person. So I made a mistake when I was young. Are you going to hold that over my head all my life? Please don't hold that over me anymore.

See also: hold

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hold somebody over also hold over somebody

to prevent someone from leaving The authorities held the couple over for two days. Harold Anderson and his accordion act have been held over until March 13th.

See also: hold

hold something over also hold over something

to delay something I'd like to hold the presentation over until next week. Several flights were held over because of the storm.

See also: hold