Preview（腕試し）

James: Do you think we should start the new project this week?

Toshi: I don't think we have enough information. Maybe we should hold off until we have more data.

Toshi wants to:

A. wait a little

B. start this week

C. cancel the project

　

Examples（例文）

This idiom is usually used to say that we plan to wait a little more before doing something, but it can also mean that we plan not to do something.

　

Toshiko: Why don't we tell the boss the bad news now?

Fumiko: Well, she's still in a bad mood. I think we'd better hold off until she is in a better mood.

　

Satsuki: I'd like to buy a new iMac, but I'm going to hold off on buying one until I find out more about them.

　

marketing manager: We'd better hold off on the announcement until I've had a chance to give the president the details of our plan.

　

Common Structures

1. hold off until (something happens)

We can't start construction now--we should hold off until the rainy season ends.

2. hold off on (doing something)

Kazuhiro will hold off on buying a new computer until he has more money.

3. hold off on (noun)

We will hold off on the announcement until next week.

4. hold off (~ing)

The boss wants to hold off selling the building until next year.

　

Exercises （練習）

1. I think I will ____________ a new car until I have sold my old one.

A. hold off on buy

B. hold off to buying

C. hold off on buying

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2. Kanako wants to get a new digital camera, but she has decided to ____________ they become a little cheaper.

A. hold off until

B. hold off by

C. hold off