hold death back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold death back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the idea of preventing death or delaying an inevitable outcome. Example: "In his desperate attempt to save his friend, he wished he could hold death back for just a little longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The painting I saw that day seems to hold death back from the brink, even as it acknowledges our shared human fate.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The broader political import may seem elusive; but since I grew up in Chicago, I can explain that the film's ghosts are all registered voters, who won't let a little thing like death hold them back from their civic duty.

The New York Times

The Bible says, "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

Los Angeles Times

Jail or even death cannot hold it back anymore.

TechCrunch

Hold back the dawn, hold back tomorrow.

The New Yorker

"So the audience can say goodbye, too, and you get a sense what everyone's future will hold". Looking back, Bonneville says the death of Mary's husband Matthew Dan Stevenss) at the end of season three has indirectly propelled much of the show's second half, because of what Stevens's departure required writer Julian Fellowes to do in response.

HuffPost

It wasn't the thought of the patient's death that held me back.

The New York Times

Hold it back.

The New York Times

Hold the back page!

Independent

They hold you back.

The New York Times

Don't hold anything back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold death back" when you want to express the idea of preventing death from occurring or delaying its arrival, especially in a situation where it seems imminent or inevitable.

Common error

Avoid using "hold death back" in contexts where a more direct term like "prevent death" or "delay death" would be clearer and more appropriate. The phrase carries a somewhat figurative tone, so ensure it fits the overall style and register of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold death back" functions as a verbal phrase, suggesting an action aimed at preventing or delaying death. Ludwig provides examples where it's used figuratively to describe efforts to resist or postpone the inevitable. It is not commonly used, but Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold death back" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon expression used to convey the idea of preventing or delaying death. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to express an attempt to resist or postpone an inevitable outcome. The phrase carries a neutral register and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, alternative phrases like "stave off death" or "delay the inevitable" might be more common and direct depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stave off death

This alternative focuses on delaying death for a period of time.

delay the inevitable

This suggests postponing something that is certain to happen, in this case, death.

postpone mortality

This phrase emphasizes delaying the state of being mortal or subject to death.

ward off demise

This implies actively protecting against death or destruction.

resist the grim reaper

This personifies death and suggests fighting against it.

cheat death

This alternative suggests narrowly escaping death.

defy mortality

This phrase emphasizes boldly challenging the limits of life and death.

prolong life

This focuses on extending the duration of life.

extend lifespan

Similar to prolong life, but emphasizes the length of time one lives.

forestall the end

This highlights preventing the finality of death.

FAQs

What does it mean to "hold death back"?

To "hold death back" means to delay or prevent someone's death, often in a situation where death seems imminent. It suggests an effort to resist or postpone the end of life.

What can I say instead of "hold death back"?

You can use alternatives like "stave off death", "delay the inevitable", or "prolong life" depending on the context.

Is "hold death back" a common expression?

No, "hold death back" is not a very common expression. More frequent alternatives include "prevent death" or "delay death".

In what kind of context is it appropriate to use "hold death back"?

The expression "hold death back" is best used in contexts where you want to convey a sense of struggle against death, or a desire to postpone an inevitable outcome. It can be used in literature, poetry, or figurative speech.