withholding

Everyday

1. Withholding means keeping something back and not giving it, when it was expected: «withholding information». tree →
2. (money) In some countries, especially the US, «withholding» is tax taken from your pay before you get it. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and police shows, withholding the truth or evidence is a kind of dishonesty. In everyday life and money, parents might be withholding pocket money as a punishment; workers' pay slips show tax withheld. In law, withholding evidence from police can be a crime. Phrases: «withholding information», «withholding payment», «withholding tax».

Examples

• The witness was accused of withholding information from the police. tree →
• The builders are withholding the keys until the bill is paid. tree →
• Mum is withholding my pocket money until I tidy my room. tree →
• Withholding the truth can be a kind of lie. tree →
• The shop is withholding payment because the order was wrong. tree →
• Dad's pay slip shows how much tax was withheld. tree →

Note

«Withhold» is irregular: withhold, withheld, withheld (like «hold, held»). Double «h»: with-hold. Maths: pay after withholding = gross pay − tax withheld, e.g. $500 − $80 = $420.