Crossword Genius

Offer to continue as long as possible? (4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hold out

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'offer' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'continue as long as possible?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'continue' could be 'hold' (holding is a kind of continuing) and 'hold' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'out' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hold out that I've seen before include "Resist difficulties" , "Stand firm" , "Endure, last" , "Offer - last" , "Resist (against siege)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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