hold up
/ˌhoʊld ˈʌp/
Reviewed on
Also a noun
Meaning
To delay or impede the progress of someone or something.
Heavy morning traffic held up our delivery truck for over two hours.
Will this unexpected software glitch hold the product launch up?
To remain strong, functional, or valid under pressure, wear, or scrutiny.
The defense attorney argued that the evidence would not hold up under cross-examination.
How are your hiking boots holding up after such a demanding trek?
To rob someone or a business by using threats or force.
An armed robber held up the downtown convenience store late last night.
Have you ever been held up while traveling abroad?
To offer someone or something as an example to be noticed or admired.
The principal held up her research project as a model of exceptional student initiative.
Why must critics always hold him up to such impossible standards?
To physically support or keep something upright.
Sturdy concrete pillars hold up the roof of the open-air pavilion.
Can you hold up that end of the bookshelf while I tighten the bolts?
How it's used
When this means “delay someone or something”
Both orders mean the same thing.
- hold up the delivery
- hold the delivery up
Say “held it up.” Not “hold up it.”
Bad weather held up our flight for three hours.
When this means “remain strong or valid”
- hold up in court
The theory did not hold up under closer examination.
When this means “present as an example”
Both orders mean the same thing.
- hold up the design as a model
- hold the design up as a model
Say “held it up.” Not “hold up it.”
The company held up her success as an inspiration to others.
Collocations
- hold up traffic
- hold up progress
- hold up well
- hold up under scrutiny
- hold up a bank
- hold up as an example
Meaning
A delay or interruption.
Sorry for the hold-up — traffic was terrible.
There was a hold-up at the checkout.
A robbery at gunpoint or by force.
The store was the scene of a hold-up last night.
Was anyone hurt in the hold-up?