Hold out

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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition

To extend or offer something

Example sentence
She held out her hand to him.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.

hold out your hand

hold out an olive branch

hold out a helping hand

hold out an opportunity

hold out a reward

Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.

He held out the envelope. ✅ (Correct)

He held the envelope out. ✅ (Correct)

Meaning 1 of 3
Definition

To continue to resist or survive

Example sentence
The soldiers held out until help arrived.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
Clip 1
⏱ Timestamp
Open on YouTube
Clip 2
⏱ Timestamp
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Clip 3
⏱ Timestamp
Open on YouTube
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.

hold out hope

hold out until help arrives

hold out against the enemy

hold out under pressure

hold out for several days

hold out despite the odds

Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.

They held out for three days. ✅ (Correct)

They held for three days out. ❌ (Incorrect)