The following is a subtitle of an article titled Why I refuse to text message:
I don't care how convenient it is, or how many friends pity me for my decision. I'm holding out -- here's why
What does hold out mean above? I've looked it up in the dictionaries, but none of the definitions provided seem to fit the context.
Holding out can mean purposefully not participating, e.g. I'm holding out on swimming until it gets a bit warmer.
The free dictionary's third meaning of "holding out" clarifies: To continue to resist. The defending garrison held out for a month.
Their idiom dictionary further explains:
hold out (for someone or something) to strive to wait for someone or something. I will hold out for someone who can do the job better than the last person we interviewed. I want to hold out for a better offer.
In this context, it means :
I'm holding on to my beliefs and won't text message, here's why
I won't change my mind about texting, here's why
Verb: There is an expectation expressed in "hold out" that things will improve, i.e. that the currently-proposed solution is not good enough, and that something better will come along (or be found) in good time.
Noun: A "holdout" is (among other things) a committed non-participant in some event or change; someone who objects to participating, and will not be persuaded to take part. In some cases, an alternative method of getting them either to buy in or to leave the situation has to be found; in others, if they don't exert a substantial influence, it may be possible to ignore them.
Every Body The Phrase "Hold Out" means Wait or "Holding Out " means Waiting too An Example to Understand : when your friend is going out W U and Yo are too late you Shall tell Him To hold out like : Hold out,Jack. I think you understood know :)
