is held back

[ɪz hɛld bæk]
verb phrase (present simple passive)
é retido, está sendo retido, é impedido
1. prevented from moving forward or progressing; restrained or kept from advancing
The student is held back a grade due to poor performance.
O aluno é retido de ano devido ao fraco desempenho.
2. prevented from expressing oneself fully; suppressed or constrained
She is held back by her fear of public speaking.
Ela é impedida por seu medo de falar em público.
3. kept in a state of delay or suspension; detained
The shipment is held back until payment is received.
O envio é retido até que o pagamento seja recebido.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'is held back' commonly refers to grade retention in schools, a practice that is more prevalent in the USA. In Brazil, 'reprovação' (failure/retention) carries similar educational significance. The phrase is also widely used in business and personal development contexts to discuss obstacles to progress.
NYC Slang
is kept back, is held up, is blocked
Synonyms / Sinônimos
is restrainedis detainedis preventedis suppressedis retained
Antonyms / Antônimos
is releasedis freedis advancedis promotedis allowed to proceed

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
é retido, está retido
most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
é retido, fica retido
colloquial variant with 'fica'
São Paulo
é retido, é impedido
formal and informal both common
Portugal
é retido, está impedido
European Portuguese uses 'impedido' more frequently

Related Words

hold backretentionrestrainthindranceobstacle

Related Idioms & Phrases

hold back the tide
hold back tears
nothing held back
hold back from doing something
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