1
general::
Also, keep back. 1. Retain in one's possession or control, as in He held back vital information, or I managed to keep back my tears. [First half of 1500s] 2. Restrain oneself, as in She held back from joining the others, or I wanted to denounce him right there, but I kept back for fear of making a scene. The first usage dates from the second half of the 1500s, the variant from the early 1800s. 3. Impede the progress of, as in The barriers held back traffic during the funeral procession, or Her daughter was kept back and had to repeat first grade.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): hold someone back
Go to keep someone back., Phrase(s): hold back (on something)
to withhold something; to give or take only a limited amount. • Hold back on the gravy. I’m on a diet. • That’s enough. Hold back. Save some for the others., Phrase(s): hold someone, something, or an animal back (from someone or something)
to restrain someone, something, or an animal from getting at or getting to someone or something. • The parents held the children back from the cake and ice cream until the hostess said she was ready. • Please hold back your dog.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs