hold it over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold it over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is postponing or delaying something, often with the implication of maintaining control or influence over a situation. Example: "I decided to hold it over until next week when we can discuss it further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hold it over, and put it on the renewal request.

Science Magazine

When you are first handling a new hamster, make sure to hold it over its cage or a surface such as a table, just in case this happens.

WikiHow

"I'll just hold it over your head for the rest of your life".

The New York Times

If he played along, Lackey wondered, might Scruggs try to hold it over him somehow?

The New Yorker

But to feel it and touch it and hold it over your head, it's amazing".

The New York Times - Sports

But you almost have to hold it over their heads: think beyond home runs".

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, Hold it over the drink, snap the peel in half lengthwise to release the lemon oil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'd love to give Phil a tip," Snedeker said with a sparkle in his eyes, "because I'd hold it over him for the rest of his life.

The New York Times - Sports

On May 3, Kat writes: "I think, Fido, the only thing to do... is to hold it over very tentatively, as I am doing".

The New York Times - Books

Press L2 to bring up the visor, click in the right stick to zoom, and hold it over an object of interest to tag it.

The Guardian - Tech

And during a recent outdoor reception for a foreign dignitary he yanked away an umbrella from a colonel trying to hold it over him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold it over" to mean 'exert influence,' ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to leveraging a past action or information. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details about what's being held over.

Common error

Avoid using "hold it over" in situations where a neutral or positive meaning is intended, as it often carries a negative connotation of manipulation or control. Choose more neutral alternatives if the intention is simply to delay or postpone something.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hold it over" functions as a versatile expression that can indicate physical positioning (e.g., "hold it over the cage") or, more commonly, exerting influence or control by referencing something from the past, as evidenced by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

39%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "hold it over" demonstrates versatility, functioning both literally to describe physically positioning something above another object, and figuratively to represent exerting influence or delaying action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. However, writers should remain aware of the potential for a negative connotation of manipulation, especially when the phrase refers to interpersonal dynamics. To avoid ambiguity, always contextualize its intended meaning. Common contexts include practical instructions (Wiki), news reporting (News & Media), and, to a lesser extent, scientific writing, which collectively underlines its diverse applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone it

This alternative suggests delaying something to a later time.

defer it

Similar to 'postpone it', this phrase implies putting something off until a later date.

put it on hold

This phrase means to temporarily stop something from progressing.

delay it

This alternative refers to causing something to happen at a later time than initially planned.

keep it in reserve

This phrase suggests retaining something for future use or need.

maintain control of it

This alternative focuses on keeping authority or influence over something.

retain leverage over it

This suggests keeping an advantage or influence over something or someone.

suspend it temporarily

This phrase indicates a brief interruption or cessation of something.

shelve it for now

This alternative means to postpone or discontinue something, possibly with the intention of revisiting it later.

keep it pending

This phrase suggests that something is awaiting a decision or resolution.

FAQs

What does "hold it over" mean?

The phrase "hold it over" has several meanings. It can mean to postpone something, to position something above something else, or to use something against someone, often referring to leveraging past actions or information.

How can I use "hold it over" in a sentence?

You can use "hold it over" in sentences like: "I'll just hold it over your head for the rest of your life", or "When you are first handling a new hamster, make sure to hold it over its cage just in case this happens."

What can I say instead of "hold it over" when referring to a postponement?

If you want to convey postponement, you can use alternatives like "postpone it", "defer it", or "put it on hold" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "hold it over"?

It is appropriate to use "hold it over" when you want to convey the idea of postponing something or using past actions or information as leverage against someone. Be mindful of the negative connotation it often carries.