held back

As glaciers retreat, they can leave behind expanding lakes held back by unstable deposits of rock and ice.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

“Immigration policy changes likely held back payrolls growth in August,” said Bill Adams, chief economist at Fifth Third Commercial Bank.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026

Mining companies see enormous wealth in mineral deposits scattered across the seabed, but the fledgling industry has for years been held back by environmental concerns.

From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026

These results may have practical importance because functional health reflects whether people can continue performing routine activities without being held back by fatigue or other symptoms.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 29, 2026

Voldemort did not speak, but prowled in a circle, and Harry knew that he kept him temporarily mesmerized and at bay, held back by the faintest possibility that Harry might indeed know a final secret....

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

The held-back funds are tied to programs that, in some cases, have received these dollars for decades.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2025

Although the held-back funds make up less than 1% of California’s education budget, they have an outsize cumulative effect.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2025

In one moment, a student may sing a solo that lights up the room like a supernova only for them to later sing it through a clenched throat and held-back tears.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 20, 2022

Each jurisdiction must appoint two full-time commissioners and submit applications laying out the commission’s safety and investigative credentials and establishing its independence from Metro before the held-back money can be released, FTA officials say.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 23, 2017

I hurry down the block while my held-back torrent of tears splashes down my face.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed