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Hold back

To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.

📖 Definitions of "Hold back"

verb
  1. 1

    To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.

    "Don't hold back. Hit it as hard as you can."

  2. 2

    To contain; stop.

    "The dam can't hold back that much water."

  3. 3

    To delay the progress of, especially in school.

    "He's a year older than his classmates, because he was held back in second grade."

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