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hold over

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

Keep something going longer than planned, or use a secret to control someone

Literal meaning: To hold something so that it remains positioned over or beyond a boundary

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To extend something (a show, film, contract, or decision) beyond its scheduled end date

"The musical was held over for another two weeks because of overwhelming demand."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 formal

To postpone something until a later time or meeting

"The budget discussion was held over until next week's board meeting."

Grammar: separable
3 C1 idiomatic informal

To use a secret or piece of information as a threat or means of control over someone

"She knew about his past, and he feared she would hold it over him forever."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Used in entertainment contexts (a film or show held over due to popularity) and in contexts of leverage or power. The 'leverage' sense is slightly more formal or legal in tone.

Commonly used with

film show contract decision threat engagement

Forms

Base
hold over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
holds over
he/she/it
Past simple
held over
yesterday
Past participle
held over
have + pp
-ing form
holding over
continuous

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Synonyms

extend postpone continue keep on delay use as leverage

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