hold in

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Explanation of "Hold In"

Definition: The phrase "hold in" is a phrasal verb that means to keep something inside or not to show it to others. It can refer to emotions, feelings, or even physical actions.

Examples:

1. Emotional Context:

   • "She was very upset, but she decided to hold in her tears during the meeting."

2. Physical Context:

   • "If you want to look slimmer, you can hold in your stomach when you take a picture."

Advanced Usage:

• You might also use "hold in" when talking about moderating behaviors. For example, "He tried to hold in his excitement about the surprise party."

Word Variants:

• Holding in (present participle): "She is holding in her laughter."
• Held in (past tense): "He held in his anger during the discussion."

Different Meanings:

1. Emotional Control: Keeping feelings hidden (e.g., "He held in his frustration instead of arguing.")
2. Physical Control: To tighten or restrict (e.g., "Hold in your stomach to improve your posture.")

Synonyms:

• Suppress: To stop yourself from feeling or showing something.
• Conceal: To hide something from others.
• Restrict: To limit something.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Hold your tongue: To not say something that could be hurtful or inappropriate.
• Hold your temper: To control your anger and not react aggressively.
• Keep it to yourself: To not share information or feelings with others.

Summary:

"Hold in" is a useful phrase in English that helps describe the act of controlling or hiding feelings and behaviors.

Academic

Verb

1. hold back; keep from being perceived by others
   • She conceals her anger well
2. lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
   • moderate your alcohol intake
   • hold your tongue
   • hold your temper
   • control your anger
3. close in; darkness enclosed him"

Synonyms

• conceal
• hold back
• control
• hold
• contain
• check
• curb
• moderate
• enclose
• confine