keep back

Don't release it

To keep back is to hold something in reserve rather than releasing or revealing it.

You might keep back information, keep back tears, or keep back part of your paycheck for savings.

It also means to restrain or prevent from advancing: Police kept the crowd back from the scene.

The phrase suggests deliberate withholding—something could come forward but doesn't.

withhold

conceal

Keep from being seen

hideConceal or pelt
suppressForcibly put an end to
secretConcealed information

deny · refuse · retain · omit · censor · redact · classified · confidential · embargo · silence

restrain

detain

Hold in custody

blockSolid mass, or impede
impedeTo obstruct movement
barricadeObstacle blocking a path

cordon · barrier · crowd control · prevent · stop · halt · contain · restrict · limit · confine

reserve

savings

Accumulated money kept

stockpileAccumulated reserve supply
stashHidden reserve
cacheConcealed storage spot

nest egg · rainy day · emergency fund · provision · contingency · surplus · buffer · safeguard · set aside · put away

Categories

restrainsuppress, hold in, restrain, restrict, constrain

Opposites

physical release/restraint

keep backrelease

To let go

let go · free · set free · unleash · liberate

information disclosure

keep backreveal

Make something visible

disclose · divulge · tell · share · let out

resource distribution

keep backgive out

Distribute or fail

release · distribute · hand out · dispense · dole out

Family

back, keep, kept, backward, keeper, backing, keeping, backup, keeps

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G