HOLD OFF – Phrasal Verb
Meaning of the Phrasal Verb
HOLD OFF
hold off
Definition:
to delay, to not start until later
Examples of HOLD OFF in sentences:
1. I need a new phone, but I want to hold off until I find a good price.
2. My friend held off until the new model was released and she got a great deal.
3. I was going to make plans for a picnic this weekend, but the forecast says it is going to rain so I think I will hold off.
hold off (on) something
Definition:
to delay doing something, to not start until later
Examples of HOLD OFF ON SOMETHING in sentences:
1. I need a new phone, but I want to hold off buying a new one until I find a good price.
2. I am going to hold off on phoning her until tomorrow.
3. During the COVID pandemic, governments told people to hold off on travel.
hold off someone/something
hold someone/something off
Definition:
prevent someone (or something) from success in physically attacking you, or from causing you problems
Examples of HOLD OFF SOMEONE/SOMETHING in sentences:
1. He held the bear off until his screams attracted other hikers who came running to help.
2. He is a strong defence player but I don’t think he can hold off the other team’s opposition.
3. The company is in trouble. They need to raise a lot of money quickly to hold off their creditors.
| present – | HOLD OFF |
| present participle – | HOLDING OFF |
| past – | HELD OFF |
| past participle – | HELD OFF |
