phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb

hold up

to delay or rob

What it means

To delay someone or something, or to rob a person or place using threats or weapons. It can also mean to remain strong or in good condition over time.

Examples

  • Sorry I'm late, the traffic on the motorway held me up.
  • Two men held up the bank just before closing time yesterday.
  • How are you holding up after such a difficult week?
  • This old jacket has really held up well over the years.

Where it comes from

Separable: 'held me up' or 'held up the bank'. The noun 'hold-up' (often hyphenated) means either a delay or a robbery, depending on context.

Related phrasal verbs

#hold on#hang up#break down#put off

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