hold out — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

hold out

1to last or survive in a difficult situation 2refuse to compromise

Meaning 1 · most common

to last or survive in a difficult situation

hold out for sth

to continue to exist, stay strong, or not give up when things are tough or resources are running out.

How oftenNow and then

LevelB2

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

We only have enough food to hold out for another two days.

A: Do you think your laptop battery will hold out until the end of the meeting?
B: I hope so, but it's already pretty low.

Common mistake

Not: Our supplies held on for a week.

Say: Our supplies held out for a week.

For supplies or resistance lasting, use 'hold out' (not 'hold on', which is wait/grip).

More on “to last or survive in a difficult situation”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During the flood, the villagers had to hold out for a week before help arrived.

Tell it apart

Our water held out for three days.

lasted

They held out for a better offer.

refused to settle

Goes with

hold out

Practice saying this

Next meaning: refuse to compromise

Meaning 2

refuse to compromise

hold out for sth

to deliberately refuse to accept an offer, agree to terms, or compromise, especially in negotiations or discussions, often in order to get a better deal or outcome.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The union leaders held out for better pay and refused to sign the agreement until their demands were met.

A: Did they finally accept the proposal?
B: No, they're still holding out for a bigger share of the profits.

Common mistake

Not: They held out a higher offer.

Say: They held out for a higher offer.

'Hold out FOR something' = refuse to settle for less. Without 'for' it means physically extend.

More on “refuse to compromise”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

While several countries were willing to sign the treaty, a few held out for stricter environmental protections before agreeing.

Tell it apart

They held out for more money.

refused to settle

The troops held out for weeks.

survived under siege

Goes with

hold out for

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which one is it?

Spot the meaning

Which one is it?

Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

to last or survive in a difficult situation refuse to compromise