hold in

Related to hold in: hold in high regard, hold in abeyance, hold in contempt

hold in

1. To keep oneself from releasing some bodily function. A noun or pronoun can be used between "hold" and "in." I had to pee, but there was no toilet nearby so I had to just hold it in. Please hold in your burps. It's really disgusting to let them out like that.
2. To not share, release, or reveal one's emotions. A noun or pronoun can be used between "hold" and "in." I wanted to hold my tears in at the funeral, but I found myself blubbering in no time. I've been holding in my anger for long enough. Now I'm going to tell you how I really feel! I tried not to laugh, but I just couldn't hold it in.
3. To pull one's belly inward so as to minimize its appearance. A noun or pronoun can be used between "hold" and "in." I always hold in my gut whenever I'm having my picture taken. I agree that the dress looks nice, but don't get it if you have to hold your stomach in while you wear it.
See also: hold
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hold something in

 and keep something in 
1. and hold something inside ((of) one(self)); keep something inside ((of) one(self)) Fig. to keep one's emotions inside oneself. You really shouldn't hold those feelings inside of you. I have kept all this inside myself too long. You shouldn't hold in all that anger.
2. Lit. to hold in one's stomach, gut, belly, etc. Hold your belly in so you don't look like a blimp. Hold in your stomach.
See also: hold
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • not do (someone or oneself) any favors
  • identify with
  • orient
  • orient to
  • orient to (something)
  • spiff up
  • spiffed up
  • angle
  • angling
  • involve with
References in periodicals archive
The following points should be noted when dealing with the Hold In personality:
Many Hold In managers have had to break through this block to some extent.
When a Hold In manager has dealt with his assertion issue, he is excellent leadership material.
In summary, the Hold In manager is an enormous resource of energy and reliability; manage them well so all that resource remains intact.
Typically Hold Ins are responsive to family needs, love their children and strive for a balance between home and work.
Another helpful diagram for Hold Ins is one that charts the migration of unexpressed anger into the cold landscapes of resentment and hate [ILLUSTRATION FOR FIGURE 10 OMITTED].
Hold Ins are very identified with care and loving, so to find themselves in states of negativity produces much self-disapproval and stress.
The Hold In personality