hold back crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "hold back crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.

Solutions for "hold back crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

CURB: To restrain or control, often implying a limitation on something like an impulse or action.

STEM: To stop the flow or progress of something, typically referring to a physical blockage or halt.

5 Letters

CHECK: To stop or slow the progress of something, or to restrain, often implying a brief halt or control.

6 Letters

DETAIN: To hold back or keep someone from proceeding; to keep in custody or temporary confinement.

STIFLE: To hold back or suppress, often used for feelings, yawns, or sounds.

7 Letters

REPRESS: To keep under control, suppress, especially a feeling, memory, or action, often involuntarily.

8 Letters

RESTRAIN: To prevent (someone or something) from doing something; keep under control or check, implying a strong limitation.

WITHHOLD: To hold back or refuse to give something that is due or desired, often information or payment.

More About "hold back crossword clue"

The clue "hold back" is a versatile one in crosswords, often appearing in various contexts that require a nuanced understanding of its meaning. It can refer to physical restraint, emotional suppression, or even the act of delaying or preventing something from moving forward. Identifying the correct answer usually hinges on the number of letters and the broader theme of the puzzle.

Words like CURB, CHECK, and STEM are shorter, direct synonyms for stopping or limiting. Longer answers such as REPRESS or RESTRAIN often imply a more deliberate or forceful act of keeping something under control, whether it's an emotion, a person, or a process. Understanding these subtle differences is key to solving puzzles with this common clue.

Sometimes, "hold back" can also imply hesitation or a reluctance to share information or feelings, leading to answers like WITHHOLD. Always consider the precise phrasing of the clue and how it fits with the overall grid and other solved words.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Clue's Nuance: "Hold back" can have many synonyms. Is it about physical restraint (CURB, CHECK), emotional suppression (REPRESS, STIFLE), or withholding something (WITHHOLD)? The context of the puzzle might guide you.
Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required. This is the most crucial filter for eliminating unlikely answers and narrowing down possibilities.
Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved words that cross your "hold back" clue. Even one letter can drastically reduce the number of potential answers and confirm your choice.
Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Crosswords often reuse common synonyms for clues. Familiarize yourself with words like CURB, CHECK, STEM, RESTRAIN, and REPRESS, as they frequently appear for variations of "hold back."

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'hold back' typically mean in crosswords?

'Hold back' in crosswords most often refers to concepts of restraint, suppression, control, or prevention. It can also imply hesitation or keeping something secret, depending on the specific puzzle's nuance.

Are there common word patterns for 'hold back' clues?

Yes, common patterns include words that start with 'RE-' (like REPRESS, RESTRAIN), words ending in '-AIN' or '-ECK' (like DETAIN, CHECK), or shorter words denoting stopping or curbing (like CURB, STEM, HALT).

How do I distinguish between similar answers like 'curb' and 'check' for 'hold back'?

Consider the exact phrasing and the number of letters. 'Curb' often implies a limitation or control, especially of an impulse or tendency. 'Check' can mean to stop the advance of something, to verify, or to restrict. The length of the blank in the puzzle is your primary guide, followed by the specific context of the clue.