hold off
hold off {v.}
1a. To refuse to let (someone) become friendly.
The president's high rank and chilly manner held people off.
Compare: KEEP AT A DISTANCE.
1b. To be rather shy or unfriendly.
Perkins was a scholarly man who held off from people.
Compare: KEEP AT A DISTANCE.
2. To keep away by fighting; oppose by force.
The man locked himself in the house and held off the police for an hour.
3. To wait before (doing something); postpone; delay.
Jack held off paying for the television set until the dealer fixed it.
Mr. Smith held off from building while interest rates were high.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
