hold back
verb1
Idiomatic To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.
- Don't hold back. Hit it as hard as you can.
- The TSSA union, which along with the RMT represents many of the staff affected by the closures, hasn't held back on its criticism.2023 October 4, Mel Holley, “Network News: Conservative MPs criticise ticket office closure plans”, in RAIL, number 993, page 23:
2
Idiomatic To contain; stop.
- The dam can't hold back that much water.
- Fabregas coolly slotted home after Ben Parker held back Theo Walcott and only a super Kasper Schmeichel save stopped Denilson winning it for the Gunners.2011 January 8, Chris Bevan, “Arsenal 1 - 1 Leeds”, in BBC:
3
Idiomatic To delay the progress of, especially in school.
- He's a year older than his classmates, because he was held back in second grade.