hold out

To hold (something) out; to extend (something) forward.

“He held out his hand, and I grabbed it.”

To offer, present (a hope, possibility, opportunity etc.)

“The prospectus held out the promise of enormous profits to be made.”

(often with for) To wait, or refuse in hopes of getting something better (from a negotiation, etc.)

“How long has he been holding out?”

To survive, endure.

“How long can they hold out without water?”

(usually with on) To withhold something.

“You've got a key! Why have you been holding out on me?”

To set something aside or save it for later.

“Pack the boxes, but hold out a few blue ones for later.”

One who refuses to give consent to an agreement in the hope of an improved offer; one who holds out; one who clings to a cause that has been mostly abandoned.

A device for cheating at card games by covertly holding a card out of play until it is wanted.