Introduction
The phrase “hold off” is a commonly used expression in English with multiple meanings depending on the context. It can refer to delaying an action, preventing something from happening, or even resisting an urge or force. Understanding these nuances can help you use the phrase correctly in conversations, writing, and even professional settings.
In this article, we will explore 15+ different meanings of “hold off”, with clear explanations, examples, and 11 user-friendly texting examples to make it easy to understand. Whether you’re using this phrase in casual, professional, or formal situations, you’ll have a variety of alternatives to choose from.
Let’s dive in!
1. To Delay or Postpone Something
One of the most common meanings of “hold off” is to delay or postpone an event or action.
Example Sentences:
- We decided to hold off on the meeting until next week.
- The company will hold off on launching the new product due to technical issues.
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Postpone
✔ Delay
✔ Reschedule
2. To Prevent or Stop Something from Happening
“Hold off” can also mean to prevent or stop something before it occurs.
Example Sentences:
- The security team managed to hold off the protestors from entering the building.
- The medicine should hold off the infection for a few days.
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Keep away
✔ Prevent
✔ Resist
3. To Resist an Urge or Impulse
When someone is trying to resist doing something, they might hold off on taking action.
Example Sentences:
- I wanted to eat the cake, but I decided to hold off until my birthday.
- You should hold off on making any big decisions while you’re emotional.
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Refrain from
✔ Resist
✔ Avoid
4. To Wait Before Doing Something
This meaning is similar to delaying but focuses on waiting intentionally before taking action.
Example Sentences:
- Let’s hold off and see how the situation develops before making a decision.
- She told me to hold off until we get more information.
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Wait
✔ Pause
✔ Holdback
5. To Defend Against an Attack or Pressure
“Hold off” can be used when talking about resisting an attack, either physically or metaphorically.
Example Sentences:
- The soldiers were able to hold off the enemy forces.
- We need to hold off the competition by improving our marketing strategy.
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Fight off
✔ Resist
✔ Keep at bay
6. To Prevent Rain or Bad Weather from Starting
In weather-related contexts, “hold off” is often used when rain or storms are expected but haven’t started yet.
Example Sentences:
- I hope the rain holds off until we finish our picnic.
- The storm held off long enough for the parade to end.
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Stay away
✔ Delay
✔ Remain clear
7. To Avoid Making an Immediate Decision
People often use “hold off” when they are undecided and need more time to think.
Example Sentences:
- I’ll hold off on signing the contract until I speak with my lawyer.
- Can we hold off on making travel plans until next month?
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Holdback
✔ Wait on
✔ Delay
8. To Withhold Information or Action
When someone is deliberately keeping back information or action, they might “hold off.”
Example Sentences:
- The company held off on announcing the layoffs until after the holidays.
- He decided to hold off on giving his opinion until he heard both sides.
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Keep back
✔ Withhold
✔ Delay
9. To Stop Someone from Proceeding
This usage refers to preventing someone from taking action or going ahead with something.
Example Sentences:
- She tried to enter the room, but the guard held her off.
- The lawyer advised me to hold off on signing the deal.
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Stop
✔ Prevent
✔ Delay
10. To Defer Payment or Financial Transactions
When dealing with money, “hold off” can refer to delaying a payment or financial decision.
Example Sentences:
- We’ll hold off on paying the invoice until the work is completed.
- The bank decided to hold off on approving the loan.
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Delay payment
✔ Postpone transaction
✔ Wait for the payment
11. To Keep a Competitor from Advancing
“Hold off” can also be used in competitive situations where someone is trying to maintain their position.
Example Sentences:
- The team managed to hold off their rivals in the final minutes of the game.
- She fought hard to hold off the other candidates in the election.
Alternative Phrases:
✔ Keep at bay
✔ Defend against
✔ Maintain position
11 Texting Examples of “Hold Off”
- “Hey, let’s hold off on dinner plans until we know Leo’s schedule.”
- “I think we should hold off on sending the email until tomorrow.”
- “The rain might hold off long enough for us to go for a walk!”
- “Can we hold off on discussing this issue until the team meeting?”
- “Hold off on buying the tickets—I heard there might be a discount soon.”
- “I’m trying to hold off on snacking until lunchtime.”
- “Let’s hold off on deciding until we get more details.”
- “The payment is due, but I think we should hold off until next week.”
- “They managed to hold off the competition and stay in first place!”
- “I want to tell him the news, but I’ll hold off for now.”
- “Hold off on submitting the report—I need to review it first.”
Conclusion
The phrase “hold off” has a variety of meanings, ranging from delaying an action to preventing an event from occurring. It can be used in casual, professional, and formal situations, making it a versatile phrase in English.
By understanding the different contexts and alternatives for “hold off,” you can communicate more effectively and choose the best expression for the situation.
