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hold off

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hold off (on someone or something)

to delay doing something concerning someone or something. Please hold off on Tom until we interview the other candidates. I will hold off on this job for a while.

See also: hold, off

hold someone or something off

 

1. and keep someone or something off Lit. to do something physical to keep someone or something away; to stave someone or something off. Tom was trying to rob us, but we managed to hold him off. We held off the attackers. I couldn't keep off the reporters any longer.

2. Fig. to make someone or something wait. I know a lot of people are waiting to see me. Hold them off for a while longer. See what you can do to hold off the reporters.

See also: hold, off

hold off (something)

also hold (something) off

to delay something They're hoping to hold off surgery until he's stronger. I hope the rain holds off until we get home.

See also: hold, off

hold off

1. Keep at a distance, resist, delay, as in This payment should hold off the creditors. [Early 1400]

2. Stop or delay from action, as in Let's hold off until we know more. [c. 1600]

See also: hold, off

hold off

v.

1. To keep someone or something at a distance; resist someone or something: The firm's attorney held the creditors off. We held off the reporters as long as we could.

2. To stop or delay doing something: Let's hold off until we have more data. I held off buying a house until I had a down payment.

See also: hold, off