hold the applause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold the applause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to ask an audience to refrain from clapping or cheering, often to maintain focus on a speaker or presentation. Example: "Before we celebrate our achievements, please hold the applause until the end of the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Page 6 Sunday Business THE DEAL IS DONE BUT HOLD THE APPLAUSE The settlement of questionable mortgage and foreclosure practices by major American banks last week is unlikely to restore trust or revive the housing market, Gretchen Morgenson writes.

The New York Times

But hold the applause.

The New York Times

Hold the applause.

The New York Times

Until then, let's hold the applause.

The New York Times

But I would ask you, please, hold the applause.

The New York Times

However, as environmental nonprofit Friends of the Earth pointed out in its report Hold the Applause, the company was the single largest corporate polluter in the US.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But it should hold the self-congratulatory applause.

The New York Times

not once but twice with a fully exposed nipple I literally had to hold back the applause.

Vice

Kalmar requested that the audience hold their applause from the start of the program until the end of Britten's symphony.

Wikipedia

Hold your applause: The city's median family income is still lower than it was at the onset of the Great Recession.

The New York Times

"Among them: Rufus T. Firefly [explosion of applause], J. Cheever Loophole [again] — hold your applause to the end, please — Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush, Otis B. Driftwood, Captain Jeffrey Spaulding … and the one, the only, Groucho".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In a formal setting, consider alternatives like "defer the celebration" or "reserve your praise" for a more polished tone.

Common error

Avoid using "hold the applause" when you intend to express genuine excitement or congratulations. This phrase indicates reservation and is inappropriate when uncritical praise is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold the applause" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used to advise caution or suggest skepticism before celebrating a perceived success. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold the applause" is a correct and usable idiomatic expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it's grammatically sound and appears primarily in news and media contexts, its function is to advise caution or skepticism before celebrating a perceived success. Related phrases like "defer the celebration" or "curb your enthusiasm" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to avoid using it when genuine, uncritical praise is intended. While not overly common, "hold the applause" is a valuable tool for encouraging measured responses and highlighting potential downsides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wait for the ovation

This phrase suggests delaying the enthusiastic reception until a more appropriate moment.

defer the celebration

This suggests postponing any celebratory actions or expressions.

postpone the cheering

This means to delay the act of cheering or expressing excitement.

curb your enthusiasm

This alternative suggests moderating or restraining one's excitement or eagerness.

temper your expectations

This phrase advises to lower or adjust one's expectations to avoid disappointment.

don't celebrate just yet

This indicates that it's premature to celebrate because the outcome is not yet certain.

let's not get ahead of ourselves

This is a caution against being overly optimistic or presumptuous about future success.

hold back the accolades

This suggests refraining from giving praise or recognition for the time being.

keep the praise in check

This advises to moderate or control expressions of praise.

reserve your praise

This suggests saving one's praise for a more deserving or conclusive moment.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "hold the applause"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest caution or skepticism before celebrating something that might not be as positive as it initially seems. It implies a need for further evaluation or consideration before expressing approval.

What are some alternatives to "hold the applause"?

You can use alternatives like "defer the celebration", "curb your enthusiasm", or "temper your expectations" depending on the context.

Is "hold the applause" considered formal or informal?

"Hold the applause" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, you might opt for phrases like "defer the celebration" or "reserve your praise".

What's the nuance between "hold the applause" and "withhold applause"?

"Hold the applause" suggests a temporary pause or delay in applause, implying it might be appropriate later. "Withhold applause" implies a complete refusal to applaud, often due to disapproval or disagreement.