to continue to exist, stay strong, or not give up when things are tough or resources are running out.
We only have enough food to hold out for another two days.
A: Do you think your laptop battery will hold out until the end of the meeting? B: I hope so, but it's already pretty low.
During the flood, the villagers had to hold out for a week before help arrived.
Common mistake
✗Our supplies held on for a week.
✓Our supplies held out for a week.
For supplies or resistance lasting, use 'hold out' (not 'hold on', which is wait/grip).
Tell it apart
Our water held out for three days.
lasted
They held out for a better offer.
refused to settle
Use 'hold out' when talking about people, supplies, or things managing to last during hard times.'Hold on' means to wait or not let go, while 'hold out' means to survive or keep going.
to deliberately refuse to accept an offer, agree to terms, or compromise, especially in negotiations or discussions, often in order to get a better deal or outcome.
The union leaders held out for better pay and refused to sign the agreement until their demands were met.
A: Did they finally accept the proposal? B: No, they're still holding out for a bigger share of the profits.
While several countries were willing to sign the treaty, a few held out for stricter environmental protections before agreeing.
Common mistake
✗They held out a higher offer.
✓They held out for a higher offer.
'Hold out FOR something' = refuse to settle for less. Without 'for' it means physically extend.
Tell it apart
They held out for more money.
refused to settle
The troops held out for weeks.
survived under siege
'Hold out' in this sense is commonly used in business, negotiation, and political contexts to describe someone who is resisting pressure to agree or compromise. It is neutral in register but can imply stubbornness or strategic patience depending on context.Unlike the B2 sense of 'hold out' (to survive or last in a difficult situation), this sense is about refusing to accept an offer or compromise, not about enduring hardship.