hold out
To put your hand or something forward for someone to take, to refuse to give in, or to survive as long as possible.
Meanings
To extend your hand or an object toward someone, offering or presenting it.
"She held out her hand and introduced herself with a smile."
To resist giving in, surrendering, or compromising, often over an extended period.
"The besieged city held out for three months before finally negotiating a ceasefire."
"We will hold out for a fair deal and nothing less."
— Various trade union negotiating statements (widely attested pattern in labor journalism)
To last or survive under difficult conditions, often referring to supplies, people, or energy.
"Do you think the food will hold out until the rescue team arrives?"
To offer or give hope, a possibility, or a prospect (usually in the phrase 'hold out hope/promise').
"Doctors are holding out little hope for a full recovery."
"The new treatment holds out real promise for patients with this condition."
— The Lancet (widely attested phrasing in medical journalism)
Three quite different senses coexist. The 'extend hand/object' sense is transitive and separable. The 'resist/refuse to yield' sense is intransitive. The 'last/survive' sense is intransitive. All three are common. In negotiations, 'hold out for' means to insist on getting a specific thing.
Commonly used with
Forms
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