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.
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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.
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