student asking question

What is the meaning of “hold back” here?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Hold back" means to refrain or to stop oneself from doing something. This can be due to feeling shy or embarrassed. If someone does not hold back, it means that he is not stopping himself from doing what he wants to do. Here are some examples of it being used. Ex: She held back from saying anything because she was worried about getting in trouble. Ex: My grandmother always told me to never hold back from what you want to say. Ex: I never hold back from doing what I want to do. Holding back is neither a positive thing or negative thing. It depends on the individual and his or her personality! Great question!

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