holding 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.
2. (figuratively) To offer, present (a hope, possibility, opportunity etc.)
   • The prospectus held out the promise of enormous profits to be made.
3. (idiomatic, often) To wait, or refuse in hopes of getting something better (from a negotiation, etc.)
   • I am holding out for more money.
4. (idiomatic) To survive, endure.
   • How long can they hold out without water?
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.