Meaning trap
hold out
to last or survive in a difficult situation
to continue to exist, stay strong, or not give up when things are tough or resources are running out.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to continue to exist, stay strong, or not give up when things are tough or resources are running out.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
We only have enough food to hold out for another two days.
During the flood, the villagers had to hold out for a week before help arrived.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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).
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Hold out' naturally means last or survive under pressure. 'Managed to survive until' is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold out
- the supplies
- the defenders
- until help
- for days