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hold off the goal

[/hoʊld ɔf ðə goʊl/]
verb phrase
impedir o gol / segurar o resultado
1. In sports (especially football/soccer), to prevent the opposing team from scoring; to maintain a defensive position and resist scoring attempts
The team managed to hold off the goal despite intense pressure in the final minutes.
O time conseguiu impedir o gol apesar da pressão intensa nos últimos minutos.
2. More broadly, to resist or delay an inevitable outcome or attack
They held off the goal of their competitors by maintaining their market position.
Eles seguraram o objetivo dos competidores mantendo sua posição no mercado.
Synonyms
prevent a goalblock the goaldefend against scoringkeep outresist
Antonyms
concede a goalallow a goalscorebreach defense

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
impedir o gol / segurar o resultado
Most common usage in Brazilian football commentary
Portugal
impedir o golo / segurar a defesa
Uses 'golo' instead of 'gol'; common in Portuguese football
São Paulo
segurar o placar / não deixar entrar
Regional variation emphasizing score maintenance

Related Idioms & Phrases

hold the line
stand firm
keep the defense tight
weather the storm
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