Choose the correct meaning of the phrasal verb from the options that follow :

The thief held back the details of the robbery.

Key Points 

• The phrasal verb "hold back" (past tense "held back") means to prevent something from being known, revealed, or seen; to keep something secret. (छुपाना / रोकना / गुप्त रखना)
  • Example: He managed to hold back his tears despite the sad news.
• The word "concealed" means to hide or keep secret. (छुपाया / गुप्त रखा) It is the past tense of "conceal".
  • Sentence with substitution: The thief concealed the details of the robbery.

Therefore, the correct answer is- concealed

Additional Information 

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings:

• revealed (प्रकट किया / उजागर किया): Made known to others. This is the opposite of holding back details.
• explained (समझाया): Made something clear or understandable. Holding back details prevents explanation.
• forgot (भूल गया): Failed to remember. While the outcome is similar (details not being known), "held back" implies a deliberate action, not a failure of memory.