crossword hold back – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "crossword hold back", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly.
Solutions for "crossword hold back" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DELAY: To hold back or postpone an event or action.
CHECK: To hold back or stop the progress of something.
6 Letters
DETAIN: To hold back someone or something, often in custody or to prevent departure.
HINDER: To hold back or create difficulties for someone or something.
ARREST: To hold back or stop a process or development.
7 Letters
REPRESS: To hold back or suppress a feeling or emotion.
RESERVE: To hold back something for future use or for a specific purpose.
8 Letters
RESTRAIN: To hold back or keep under control, usually to prevent action or expression.
SUPPRESS: To hold back or prevent the development, action, or expression of something.
More About "crossword hold back"
The clue "hold back" is a versatile one in crosswords, often appearing to test a solver's knowledge of synonyms related to prevention, delay, or emotional control. The meaning can shift subtly depending on the context of the puzzle, so it's essential to consider the nuances. For instance, 'DELAY' is about time, 'RESTRAIN' is about physical or behavioral control, and 'SUPPRESS' usually refers to emotions or information.
Crossword setters love to use such common phrases to lead solvers down different paths. Always check intersecting letters and the number of blanks provided. Sometimes, the answer might be a less obvious synonym, requiring you to think beyond the first few words that come to mind. Familiarity with various contexts where 'hold back' is used, from holding back tears to holding back an advance, can significantly improve your chances of solving it.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: "Hold back" can refer to physical restraint, emotional suppression, or simply delaying something. Think about which context the puzzle might be hinting at.
- Check letter count: The number of letters is your most important hint. If "hold back" is a 5-letter word, you can immediately rule out 8-letter answers like RESTRAIN.
- Look at intersecting clues: Often, you'll have one or two letters filled in from other clues. These letters are crucial for narrowing down the possibilities and confirming your answer.
- Think about prefixes/suffixes: Sometimes, "hold back" might be part of a larger phrasal verb or a word with a prefix that implies holding back (e.g., RE- for 'repress').
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hold back' mean in a crossword context?
'Hold back' typically refers to synonyms like 'restrain', 'delay', 'suppress', 'impede', or 'hinder'. It implies preventing progress, movement, or expression. The exact answer depends on the number of letters required and any intersecting clues.
Are there common alternative answers for 'hold back'?
Yes, besides the main ones, you might find answers like 'REPRESS' (for emotions), 'CHECK' (to stop movement), 'ARREST' (to stop progress), or even 'RESERVE' (to keep something aside). Always consider the context of the puzzle.
How do I choose the right answer if multiple words fit 'hold back'?
The best way is to use the intersecting letters from other solved clues. The number of letters required for the answer is also a crucial hint. Sometimes, the overall theme or specific phrasing of the clue can point to a more precise synonym.