Hold out on

phrasal verb

To keep something secret or hidden.

You shouldn't hold out on your parents about your grades.
Visual representation of "hold out on" - To keep something secret or hidden

Often appears as...

  • hold out on someone
  • hold out on information
phrasal verb

To not give or share something, especially when it is expected.

Why are you holding out on the profits?
Visual representation of "hold out on" - To not give or share something, especially when it is expected

Often appears as...

  • hold out on sharing
  • hold out on payment
phrasal verb

To keep something secret or hidden.

You shouldn't hold out on your parents about your grades.
Visual representation of "hold out on" - To keep something secret or hidden

Often appears as...

  • hold out on someone
  • hold out on information
phrasal verb

To not give or share something, especially when it is expected.

Why are you holding out on the profits?
Visual representation of "hold out on" - To not give or share something, especially when it is expected

Often appears as...

  • hold out on sharing
  • hold out on payment
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "hold out on"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Secretive Implications

Suggests the person is being intentionally secretive for personal reasons.

Illustration for Secretive Implications
He seems to be holding out on the details of his new project.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Trust Issues

May imply a lack of trust or fear of being judged.

Illustration for Trust Issues
She's holding out on me; maybe she's afraid I'll react poorly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Pressure

Often used to gently accuse someone of not being fully open.

Illustration for Subtle Pressure
You're not holding out on me, are you? I thought we had no secrets.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Secretive Implications

Suggests the person is being intentionally secretive for personal reasons.

Illustration for Secretive Implications
He seems to be holding out on the details of his new project.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Trust Issues

May imply a lack of trust or fear of being judged.

Illustration for Trust Issues
She's holding out on me; maybe she's afraid I'll react poorly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Pressure

Often used to gently accuse someone of not being fully open.

Illustration for Subtle Pressure
You're not holding out on me, are you? I thought we had no secrets.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Secretive Implications

Suggests the person is being intentionally secretive for personal reasons.

Illustration for Secretive Implications
He seems to be holding out on the details of his new project.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Trust Issues

May imply a lack of trust or fear of being judged.

Illustration for Trust Issues
She's holding out on me; maybe she's afraid I'll react poorly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Pressure

Often used to gently accuse someone of not being fully open.

Illustration for Subtle Pressure
You're not holding out on me, are you? I thought we had no secrets.
Visual representation of the word "Hold out on"

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