hold out

• (noun): hold-out, holdout

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

1. (deprecated use of |lang= parameter) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see hold,‎ out.
2. (transitive) To hold (something) out; to extend (something) forward.
   • 1883, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island

     I held out my hand, and the horrible, soft-spoken, eyeless creature gripped it in a moment like a vise. I was so much startled that I struggled to withdraw; but the blind man pulled me close up to him with a single action of his arm.

3. (idiomatic, often with for) To wait, or refuse in hopes of getting something better (from a negotiation, etc.)

   I am holding out for more money.

   How long has he been holding out?

4. (idiomatic) To survive, endure.

   How long can they hold out without water?

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5. (idiomatic, usually with on) To withhold something.

   You've got a key! Why have you been holding out on me?

6. (transitive) To set something aside or save it for later.

   Pack the boxes, but hold out a few blue ones for later.

hold out (plural hold outs)

1. (deprecated use of |lang= parameter) Alternative spelling of holdout.

• dead-ender
• diehard

• outhold