1
general::
Phrase(s): hold off (on someone or something)
to delay doing something concerning someone or something. • Please hold off on Tom until we interview the other candidates. • I will hold off on this job for a while., Phrase(s): hold someone or something off 1. [and] keep someone or something off
Lit. to do something physical to keep someone or something away; to stave someone or something off. • Tom was trying to rob us, but we managed to hold him off. • We held off the attackers. • I couldn’t keep off the reporters any longer. 2. Fig. to make someone or something wait. • I know a lot of people are waiting to see me. Hold them off for a while longer. • See what you can do to hold off the reporters., Phrase(s): hold off (from) doing something
to avoid doing something; to postpone doing something. • Can you hold off from buying a new car for another few months? • I will hold off firing him until next week.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Keep at a distance, resist, delay, as in This payment should hold off the creditors. [Early 1400s] 2. Stop or delay from action, as in Let's hold off until we know more. [c. 1600]
American Heritage Idioms