Meaning trap
hold out
refuse to compromise
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.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
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.
'hold out' also has the more basic meaning 'to last or survive in a difficult situation'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The union leaders held out for better pay and refused to sign the agreement until their demands were met.
While several countries were willing to sign the treaty, a few held out for stricter environmental protections before agreeing.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Hold out (for)' naturally means refuse to settle until you get what you want. The formal version is heavy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold out for
- for more
- for a better deal
- for a raise
- longer
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- hold out (to last or survive in a difficult situation) — 'hold out' also has the more basic meaning 'to last or survive in a difficult situation'; this is the advanced sense.