Hold Up – Meaning and Examples
Things don’t always go as planned. Traffic stops moving, people arrive late, or plans get delayed. In English, we often say these things hold up. This common idiom has several meanings you’ll hear in daily conversations.
What Does “Hold Up” Mean?
“Hold up” has three main meanings. It can mean to delay something or someone. It can mean to support weight or remain strong. It can also mean to rob someone with a weapon. Think of it like traffic that stops movement, a strong bridge that supports cars, or a criminal stopping people to steal.
When to Use It
Use the delay meaning when traffic or problems make you late. Use the support meaning when talking about structures or ideas that remain strong. Use the robbery meaning carefully, only in specific contexts. It is a neutral phrase for delays and support, but serious for robberies.
Example Sentences
- Sorry I’m late—traffic held me up.
- These old columns hold up the entire building.
- Their relationship has held up well despite many challenges.
- The bank was held up by armed robbers yesterday.
Mini Dialogue
Maria: “Where’s John? The meeting started ten minutes ago.”
David: “He texted that he got held up at the security checkpoint.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, the meaning changes completely with context. Be careful to use the appropriate meaning for the situation.
❌ Don’t say: “I need to hold up my friend at the airport.” (This sounds like a robbery!).
✅ Do say: “Bad weather might hold up our flight departure.”
Practice Tip
Next time you’re delayed, explain it using “hold up.” Say something like “The long line at the coffee shop held me up this morning.” This practices the most common use of the idiom.
Final Note
You now understand the different meanings of “hold up” for delays, support, and robberies. Pay close attention to context when using or hearing this idiom. The delay meaning is the most common in everyday conversation. Use it confidently to explain why things are late!