hold it in
B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To stop yourself from crying, laughing, going to the toilet, or showing how you feel.
Literal meaning: To keep something physically contained inside — partially transparent.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To prevent a strong emotion, particularly laughter or tears, from being expressed despite difficulty.
"The eulogy was so funny that half the mourners were struggling to hold it in."
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 informal
To resist a natural bodily urge, such as the need to urinate.
"The toddler couldn't hold it in any longer and had an accident on the way to the bathroom."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
A fixed colloquial phrase. The 'it' always refers to something specific in context (tears, laughter, urine, anger). Very common in both British and American English. Often used humorously.
Commonly used with
tears laughter anger emotions urge
Forms
Base
hold it in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
holds it in
he/she/it
Past simple
held it in
yesterday
Past participle
held it in
have + pp
-ing form
holding it in
continuous
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