a :to reach outward with (something, such as your hand)伸出
He held out [=extended] his hand in greeting.他伸出手来打招呼。
She held out the car keys and asked him to drive.她拿出车钥匙,要他开车。
— sometimes used figuratively有时用作比喻
I held out the hand of friendship to my enemies. [=I offered friendship to my enemies]我向敌人伸出了友谊之手。
b :to say that there is a good reason to have (something, such as hope)给予希望
The doctor didn't hold out [=offer] much hope for her recovery. [=the doctor didn't say that there was much hope for her recovery]医生对她的康复不抱太大希望。
c :to say that (a possibility) exists声称存在(可能性)
The mayor has held out the possibility that the library will be expanded in the future. [=has said that it is possible that the library will be expanded]市长声称未来这个图书馆有可能扩建。
4
hold out for (something):to refuse to accept or agree to something in order to get (something)拒绝达成协议,拒绝妥协(以期获得某些条件)
The workers are holding out for higher pay.工人们拒绝妥协,期望有更高的工资待遇。
The wide receiver is holding out for a new contract.那名外接手不肯妥协,期望签一份新的合同。
5
hold out on (someone)informal:to keep something (such as information) from (someone)对(某人)隐瞒
She didn't tell me she was rich; she's been holding out on me.她没告诉我她很有钱,她一直瞒着我。