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."
inseparable
hold it in
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To stop yourself from expressing a specific emotion or releasing a bodily urge, especially one that is difficult to control.
In plain English
To stop yourself from crying, laughing, going to the toilet, or showing how you feel.
What does "hold it in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To keep something physically contained inside — partially transparent.
Actually means
To stop yourself from crying, laughing, going to the toilet, or showing how you feel.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "hold it in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tears laughter anger emotions urge
How to conjugate "hold it in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "hold it in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hold it in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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