Keep back
/ˈkiːp ˈbæk/B1
PreIntermediate
1. To reserve or withhold something for future use.
- Please keep back enough cake for tomorrow's party.
- The teacher kept back some of the best projects for the open house.
2. To stay at a distance, often for safety reasons.
- The police officer instructed the crowd to keep back from the crime scene.
- Be sure to keep back from the edge of the cliff.
3. To restrain someone's progress or advancement.
- The manager was criticized for keeping back talented employees.
- His shyness has kept him back in his career advancement.
Synonyms:
More Phrasal Verbs:
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