hold out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Resist or last for a particular time
Why “out”? A problem, disagreement, or hard time continues until it is settled or ends.
“The villagers held out for three days while attackers surrounded them.”
“The workers held out for better pay.”
Don't confuse with
Hold out means continue resisting for some time. Hold off means wait before doing something.
Test yourself
“The villagers held out for three days while attackers surrounded them.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
hold off
A contrast learners often mix up
Wait before doing something
fight out
Same out pattern: resolution
Settle a disagreement by arguing or fighting until one side wins
hammer out
Same out pattern: resolution
Reach an agreement after long and difficult discussion
iron out
Same out pattern: resolution
Solve small problems or differences
sort out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resolve a problem successfully
straighten out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resolve a problem or confusion
sweat out
Same out pattern: resolution
Endure a difficult or anxious situation until it ends
talk out
Same out pattern: resolution
Discuss a problem fully until it is settled
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