hold back

US /hoʊld bæk/
UK /hoʊld bæk/
"hold back" picture
1.

to prevent someone or something from moving forward or making progress

:
•
The strong current held back the swimmers.
•
Don't let fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
:
restrainimpedehinderobstructcurb
2.

to keep a secret or to refrain from expressing an emotion

:
•
She tried to hold back her tears.
•
He couldn't hold back his laughter.
:
restrainsuppressconcealwithholdrepress
:
holdhold onhold inon holdbackbackinghold off