hold back

English

Verb

hold back (third-person singular simple present holds back, present participle holding back, simple past and past participle held back)

1. (idiomatic) to act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power

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

2. (idiomatic) to contain; stop

   The dam can't hold back that much water.

   • 2011 January 8, Chris Bevan, “Arsenal 1 - 1 Leeds”, BBC:

     Fabregas coolly slotted home after Ben Parker held back Theo Walcott and only a super Kasper Schmeichel save stopped Denilson winning it for the Gunners.

3. (idiomatic) to delay, especially in school

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