hold out

Verb

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

1. (literally, transitive) To hold (something) out; to extend (something) forward.
   • He held out his hand, and I grabbed it.
   • 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.1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, London; Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, →OCLC
2. (figuratively) To offer, present (a hope, possibility, opportunity etc.)
   • The prospectus held out the promise of enormous profits to be made.
   • Mr Baxter did not hold out much encouragement in the circumstances.
     "You can scarcely expect to find anyone at business now," he remarked.1914, Ernest Bramah, Max Carrados
3. (idiomatic, often) 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?
   • Stevan Jovetic gave Montenegro hope when he unleashed a pile-driver but Wales held out for a much-needed win.2011 September 2, “Wales 2-1 Montenegro”, in BBC
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 aside something or save it for later.
   • Pack the boxes, but hold out a few blue ones for later.