Meaning trap
hold back
withhold information
to deliberately not share something, such as information, feelings, or opinions
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to deliberately not share something, such as information, feelings, or opinions
Another meaning of 'hold back' is 'restrain emotion'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- He didn't want to hold back any details from his team.work
- I believe it's important not to hold back your ideas in a group discussion, as sharing different opinions can lead to better results.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: hold back (something) | hold back on (something)
WrongDon't hold back nothing.
RightDon't hold anything back. / Don't hold back.
Avoid the double negative — 'don't hold anything back'.
Patternhold back (something) | hold back on (something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Hold back' naturally means keep something to yourself. 'Withheld crucial information' is formal/legal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold back + infothe truthdetailsinformationsomething
Don't confuse it
Different from 'hold off', which means to delay doing something.
Related
- hold back (restrain emotion) — Another meaning of 'hold back' is 'restrain emotion'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.