Blake says the Obama administration held off on engaging India in a major way until the completion of elections in May that strengthened the hold on power by Prime Minister Singh's ruling Congress party.

VOA: standard.2009.07.17

I held off for a very long time, but I just got mine a month ago. And now I don't know how I live without it.

我拖了好长时间，一个月前才买的。而且现在我不知道离开它该如何生活。

没有智能手机活不了 - SpeakingMax英语口语达人

The U.S.took the lead after several near misses in the first half, after striker Jozy Altidore took a pass from Clint Dempsey and held off two Spanish defenders, then slammed a shot off the hands of Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas and into the net.

VOA: standard.2009.06.24

He slowly took off a metal band from his arm and held it out to me.

VOA: special.2010.07.17

A national day of mourning was held last month. Some areas devastated in the February 7 fires are still closed off by the police.

VOA: standard.2009.03.14

There have been concerns expressed that a run-off election cannot safely be held in the coming weeks because of security threats and oncoming winter weather.

VOA: standard.2009.10.19

If no candidate receives more than half of the total votes a run-off between the two top contenders is to be held in early October.

VOA: standard.2009.08.23

A close race is being held for governor in New Jersey where the Democratic incumbent, John Corzine,is trying to hold off Republican challenger Chris Christie and independent candidate Chris Daggett.

VOA: standard.2009.11.02