holding back crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "holding back" to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide answers by length and helpful explanations.
Solutions for "holding back crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
CURBING: Refers to the act of controlling or limiting something, as in holding back its progress or intensity.
8 Letters
RETICENT: Describes someone who is inclined to be silent or uncommunicative, essentially holding back their thoughts or feelings.
HESITANT: Showing indecision or reluctance, often by holding back from immediate action.
9 Letters
RESERVING: Keeping something for a future use, or holding oneself back from immediate action or expression, often in a cautious manner.
10 Letters
CONTAINING: Keeping something within limits or preventing it from spreading, effectively holding it back or controlling its scope.
11 Letters
WITHHOLDING: Refraining from giving or granting something, often intentionally holding it back from someone or some use.
SUPPRESSING: Forcibly putting an end to, or preventing the development or expression of something, a strong form of holding back.
RESTRAINING: Preventing someone or something from doing something; keeping under control or within limits, a direct synonym for holding back.
More About "holding back crossword clue"
"Holding back" is a versatile phrase that can manifest in various ways within crossword puzzles. It often implies a sense of restraint, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual. Clues related to this phrase might refer to keeping information secret, preventing progress, exercising self-control, or reserving something for later use. The key to solving these clues lies in understanding the context provided by the puzzle and the specific nuance the constructor intends.
Common themes for "holding back" answers include words describing reluctance, control, inhibition, or conservation. For instance, a clue might refer to someone's reserved personality (reticent), an action to limit something's spread (containing), or the act of not releasing something due to a conscious decision (withholding). Always consider the synonyms and antonyms of "holding back" to broaden your potential answers, and pay close attention to the number of letters requested.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If "holding back" is an 8-letter word, you can immediately rule out answers like "CURBING" (7 letters) or "WITHHOLDING" (11 letters).
- Consider Synonyms and Context: Think about all possible meanings of "holding back" – controlling, reserving, being shy, preventing. Which one fits the overall theme of the puzzle or intersecting clues?
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These can dramatically narrow down the possibilities and confirm your answer.
- Think About Part of Speech: Is the answer likely a verb (curbing, withholding), an adjective (reticent, hesitant), or a noun? This can help you select the most appropriate word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'holding back' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'holding back' typically refers to actions like restraining, suppressing, keeping secret, or reserving something. The specific answer depends on the number of letters and other intersecting clues.
How can I find the right answer for 'holding back'?
Look at the number of letters required and any intersecting letters. Consider synonyms like 'curbing,' 'reserving,' 'withholding,' or words that describe a state of being uncommunicative like 'reticent.' Think about the nuance – is it about physical restraint or emotional reserve?
Are there common themes for 'holding back' clues?
Yes, common themes include emotional restraint (e.g., 'reticent'), physical limitation (e.g., 'curbing,' 'containing'), or the act of not releasing something (e.g., 'withholding,' 'reserving'). Context is key to choosing the correct answer from the possibilities.