1 B1 neutral
To delay taking an action or making a decision, often while waiting for more information or better conditions.
"Let's hold off on signing the contract until the lawyers have reviewed it."
inseparable
hold off
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To delay doing something, or to keep an opponent, attacker, or unwanted thing at a distance.
In plain English
To wait before doing something, or to stop someone or something from getting closer or winning.
What does "hold off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To resist, repel, or keep someone at a distance, especially a competitor, attacker, or challenge.
"The defending champions held off a fierce challenge from the new team to win by one point."
separable
3 B1 neutral
(Of rain, bad weather, or an unwanted event) to be delayed or not yet arrive.
"The rain held off long enough for us to finish the outdoor ceremony."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To keep something physically held at a distance — partially transparent.
Actually means
To wait before doing something, or to stop someone or something from getting closer or winning.
Usage tip
The 'delay' sense is intransitive ('hold off on making a decision'). The 'resist/defend' sense is transitive ('hold off the challengers'). Both senses are common and widely used. Sports writing frequently uses the 'resist' sense.
Words that pair with "hold off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
decision announcement attacker rain rivals challenge judgment
How to conjugate "hold off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hold off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
holds off
he/she/it
Past simple
held off
yesterday
Past participle
held off
have + pp
-ing form
holding off
continuous
Hear "hold off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hold off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.