Meaning trap
hold back
withhold information
to deliberately not share something, such as information, feelings, or opinions
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to deliberately not share something, such as information, feelings, or opinions
Another meaning of 'hold back' is 'restrain emotion'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
He didn't want to hold back any details from his team.
I believe it's important not to hold back your ideas in a group discussion, as sharing different opinions can lead to better results.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Don't hold back nothing.
Say: Don't hold anything back. / Don't hold back.
Avoid the double negative — 'don't hold anything back'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Hold back' naturally means keep something to yourself. 'Withheld crucial information' is formal/legal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold back + info
- the truth
- details
- information
- something
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- hold back (restrain emotion) — Another meaning of 'hold back' is 'restrain emotion'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.