Hold Off – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever been about to send an email, make a purchase, or start a project—but someone said, “Wait, not yet!”? In English, you can say you decided to hold off. This practical phrasal verb means to delay or postpone doing something, usually because you’re waiting for more information, better timing, or a clearer situation.
What Does “Hold Off” Mean?
“Hold off” means to wait before doing something—to pause or delay an action intentionally. Think of it like pressing a mental “pause” button: you’re ready to act, but you’re choosing to wait. The phrase isn’t about stopping forever; it’s about timing. It’s a calm, strategic way to say, “Let’s not do this just yet.”
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or professional conversations when you’re postponing decisions, purchases, plans, or actions. It’s common in work settings (“Hold off on sending the report”), personal finance (“Hold off on buying a car”), or daily life (“Hold off on cooking—I’m almost home”). This phrasal verb is informal but widely accepted—great for real-life English.
Example Sentences
- We’re holding off on booking the trip until we know the budget.
- Hold off on replying to that email—I’ll check it with you first.
- She held off on quitting her job until she found a new one.
- The doctor told him to hold off on heavy exercise for a week.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Should I submit the application now?”
Jamie: “Hold off for a day. I heard they’re updating the form tomorrow.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “hold off” when you mean to cancel something permanently. It implies a temporary delay—not a final decision.
❌ Don’t say: “I held off on going to college.” (If you never went, use “decided not to go.”)
✅ Do say: “I’m holding off on applying until I improve my resume.”
Practice Tip
Next time you’re unsure about a decision, say: “I’ll hold off for now.” It’s a natural, thoughtful way to buy time in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “hold off” to pause with purpose! It’s a smart, flexible phrase that helps you navigate uncertainty without rushing. Keep using it—and remember, sometimes the best move is to hold off and wait for the right moment.