hold off

British  

verb

1. (tr) to keep apart or at a distance

2. to refrain (from doing something)

   he held off buying the house until prices fell slightly

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hold off Idioms  

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]

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Example Sentences

The Fed cut rates three times last year but held off on further reductions in January as policymakers walk a tightrope, balancing inflation risks alongside labor market worries.

From Barron's

The greater danger is that uncertainty from the war hits the economy and financial markets, leading potential home buyers to hold off on purchases.

From The Wall Street Journal

That may be another reason to hold off until you’re 70.

From MarketWatch

Robusta, making just his fourth start for trainer Doug O’Neill, took the lead in the upper stretch but could not hold off the winner.

From Los Angeles Times

It had planned to formalize the changes with an email to customers in February, but has been holding off.

From The Wall Street Journal