Hold / Hold out

Question

Can you use hold out like this or is it a different phrase I'm looking for?1 I have another 2 days of work to hold (out) and then I'm on vacation.Thank you

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

alc24Can you use hold out like this or is it a different phrase I'm looking for?

You need a different phrase, I'd say. The idiom "to go" is very useful for the idea you're trying to express there.

I have only two days of work to go, and then I'm on vacation.

You can also substitute left or left to go for to go.

CJ

Dave Phillips · Answer

alc24I have another 2 days of work to hold out and then I'm on vacation.

You could do if you job was really getting you down.

Alc24 · Answer

One other thing concerning HOLD?
How would you say this?

Will the bag hold out/hold or will it rip?

How long can you go without sleeping/can you hold out without sleeping?

Thank you

CalifJim · Answer

alc24Will the bag ~~hold out/~~ hold or will it rip?

How long can you go without sleeping~~/can you hold out without sleeping~~?

I would say them as shown.

CJ

Alc24 · Answer

Thank you CJ, I'm sorry to bother you but I'm having trouble with HOLD OUT and when to use it?

How would you say this?

I can't work ten days straight. I don't think my body/I can hold out.
I can't hold out 3 days without food.

Thank you

CalifJim · Answer

alc24How would you say this?

I can't work ten days straight. I don't think my body/I can hold out.
I can't hold out 3 days without food.

I can't work ten days straight. I don't think my body can hold out. This one sounds all right.
The second one is probably more idiomatic with "go", although "hold out" would be understandable.

I can't go three days without food.

The meaning you're working with here is "hold out" = last.

How long will your luck hold out?
Experts are afraid that the corn supply won't hold out now that we're in an "ethanol age".

There are other meanings.

extend

Hold out your hand and I'll give you a piece of candy.
The students held out their trays, and the cafeteria workers put a bowl of soup on each tray.
______________

(not) hold out hope for : (not) to have hope for

New studies are said to hold out hope for heart patients.
The parents of a young man on death row don't hold out much hope for a pardon from the governor.
Grand Rapids hotels are holding out hope for more business once the economy recovers.
_______________

wait; not settle for less; not be satisfied with less; remain unsubdued or unyielding; insist on obtaining

I'll probably hold out for a BMW.

Kathy is delusional. She's holding out for Mr. Right.
The way the economy is going, you may as well take the first job you can get. There's no point in holding out for the perfect job.
______________

often used with "money" or "pay": refuse to accept any smaller amount in a labor negotiation; "dig in one's heels"

Striking Honda workers in China are holding out for higher pay.
A British Airways executive officer said he'll “hold out for as long as it takes” in a 16-month dispute over pay.
The workers at the local automobile factory may hold out for a better deal.

______________

See http://www.yourdictionary.com/idioms/hold-out

CJ

Alc24 · Answer

Thanks for the explanation.

I had one last question?
Can you say both?

- If I had to work 14 hours a day my body wouldn't take it/hold out.

Thank you

CalifJim · Answer

alc24Can you say both?

Yes.

CJ

Alc24 · Answer

Hello CJ,

One last question CJ,

How would you say this sentence?

You'll have to hold out another 4 hours before dinner./go another 4 hours before dinner.

How would you say this and can you use HOLD OUT?

Thank you CJ

Alc24 · Answer

Hello CJ,
I had 2 questions please regarding hold out
1 You'll have to hold out another 4 hours before dinner./go another 4 hours before dinner.
2 Will the bridge hold/hold out or will it give way and collapse. (how would you say this?)
Thank you

Hold / Hold out

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