hold off (redirected from keep someone or something off)

hold someone or something off 

1. and keep someone or something off Lit. to do something physical to keep someone or something away; to stave someone or something off. Tom was trying to rob us, but we managed to hold him off. We held off the attackers. I couldn't keep off the reporters any longer.

2. Fig. to make someone or something wait. I know a lot of people are waiting to see me. Hold them off for a while longer. See what you can do to hold off the reporters.

See also: hold

hold off (on someone or something)

to delay doing something concerning someone or something. Please hold off on Tom until we interview the other candidates. I will hold off on this job for a while.

See also: hold

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hold off (something) also hold (something) off

to delay something They're hoping to hold off surgery until he's stronger. I hope the rain holds off until we get home.

See also: hold