Meaning trap
hold back
impede progress
to prevent someone or something from making progress, developing, or achieving their full potential, often used in reference to obstacles, limitations, or external factors.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to prevent someone or something from making progress, developing, or achieving their full potential, often used in reference to obstacles, limitations, or external factors.
'hold back' also has the more basic meaning 'restrain emotion'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
A lack of investment is holding back the country's economic growth.
While many factors contribute to educational inequality, it is often a lack of resources that holds back students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Don't let fear to hold you back.
Say: Don't let fear hold you back.
After 'let', use the bare verb — 'let fear hold you back', not 'to hold'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Hold (someone) back' is the natural way to say what's limiting them. 'Impeded his advancement' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold + back
- hold you back
- held the team back
- what's holding her back
- nothing
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- hold back (restrain emotion) — 'hold back' also has the more basic meaning 'restrain emotion'; this is the advanced sense.