hold back
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“We cannot afford to let bottlenecks hold back Canadian trade,” Canadian Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said Friday at a press conference in suburban Vancouver.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
But in an ironic twist, part of the parking lot was underwater, a tractor had raised a berm to hold back the ocean, and just to the south, homes were being thrashed by waves.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026
Roigard grabbed a try for himself shortly after the break, before Taylor, Carter, Moorby and Jordan went over as Australia struggled to hold back the hosts' waves of attack.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
In 2024, Maryland adopted a version of Mississippi’s most controversial literacy policy—requiring schools to hold back students if they can’t read adequately by third grade—as part of the state’s new comprehensive literacy policy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
I couldn't hold back my tears or my questions.
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
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