hold off

verb

tr to keep apart or at a distance
introften foll byfrom to refrain (from doing something)
he held off buying the house until prices fell slightly

Dink retired with him into the bedroom, and received his hold-off in a few matter-of-fact sentences.

McCarthy's hold-off was renewed each time, but the election did not arrive.

You can save me if you like, or you can hold-off and let me go to prison.

Browse