if you keep back laughter or tears, you stop yourself laughing or crying
to keep part of an amount of money that belongs to someone or is owed to them
to keep part of something so that you can use it later
to not move towards someone or something, or to stop someone from doing this
to not tell someone something, or to not show how you feel
to prevent someone from making progress
A barrier had been erected to keep back the crowds.
He kept back £50 for himself.
He said he was fine, but I knew he was keeping something back.
It’s only her lack of confidence that’s keeping her back.
Keep back some strawberries for decoration.
Otherwise, get moving to keep back pain at bay.
Police were warning people to keep back.
Pour in the bubbling fruit, but keep back about a quarter of the juice.
Season, then add balsamic vinegar and most of the olive oil, keeping back about half a tablespoon.
She struggled to keep back her tears.
keeps back
keeping back
kept back
There is no origin for this phrasal verb
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