hold back

• Etwas oder jemanden in seiner Bewegung oder Entwicklung hemmen, aufhalten oder zurückhalten; auch Gefühle oder Informationen nicht zeigen oder preisgeben.

To restrain, delay, or prevent someone or something from moving forward or progressing; also, to refrain from expressing an emotion or revealing information.

1. Restrain or controlB1informal

   To prevent someone or something from moving forward or acting freely.

   Zurückhalten

   • She held back her tears during the sad movie.
   • The police held back the crowd from entering the building.
   • He held back his anger and remained calm.

2. Delay or hesitateB1informal

   To delay an action or decision; to be reluctant to do something.

   Sich zurückhalten

   • Don't hold back; tell me what you really think.
   • She held back from signing the contract until she read it carefully.
   • He held back his opinion during the meeting.

3. Withhold informationB2informal

   To keep something secret or not reveal it.

   Zurückhalten von Informationen

   • The witness held back crucial details from the police.
   • She held back the truth about her past.
   • He held back the news until the right moment.