holdback

[/ˈhoʊldbæk/]
nounpl: holdbacks
retenção, freio, obstáculo
1. Something that restrains, hinders, or prevents progress or action
Fear of failure is a major holdback to his career advancement.
O medo do fracasso é um grande obstáculo para o avanço de sua carreira.
2. A strap or device used to hold back or restrain something, particularly in horse harnesses
The holdback on the wagon kept the load from shifting during transport.
A retenção da carroça manteve a carga de se deslocar durante o transporte.
3. A financial amount withheld or deferred, typically as a security deposit or penalty clause
The contractor received a 10% holdback until the project was completed.
O contratante recebeu uma retenção de 10% até a conclusão do projeto.
4. Something held back or reserved for later use
The company has a financial holdback in case of emergencies.
A empresa possui uma reserva retida em caso de emergências.
In American business and construction industries, 'holdback' is a standard term for retaining a percentage of payment until project completion. In Brazil, while the term is understood in professional contexts, Portuguese-speaking professionals may also use 'retenção' or 'bloqueio' depending on the industry. The concept reflects common business practices in both countries regarding payment security and performance guarantees.
NYC Slang
blocker, major drag
Synonyms / Sinônimos
restrainthindranceobstacleimpedimentcheckbrakeconstraintretentionwithholding
Antonyms / Antônimos
accelerationadvancementencouragementfacilitationrelease

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
retenção, freio, obstáculo
Common usage in business and construction contexts
Rio de Janeiro
entrave, barreira
More colloquial usage in conversation
São Paulo
retenção, bloqueio
Frequently used in financial and legal contexts
Portugal
retenção, travão, obstáculo
Similar to Brazilian Portuguese; travão more common in Portugal

Related Words

hold backwithholdretainrestraininhibitconstraintbarrierimpediment

Related Idioms & Phrases

holdback clause
no holdbacks
without holdback
financial holdback
performance holdback
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