HOLD UP Meaning and
Definition
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Hold up has several definitions depending on the context:
1. As a verb:
a) To physically support or bear the weight of something. For example, "He held up the heavy box with both hands."
b) To delay or hinder the progress of something or someone. For instance, "The traffic accident held up commuters for hours."
c) To rob or attempt to rob by threatening with force, often when referring to a person or place. For instance, "The bank was held up by armed gunmen."
2. As a noun:
a) A delay or impediment that causes a pause or a temporary suspension. For example, "There was a hold up in the delivery due to bad weather."
b) A robbery, often referring to a person or place targeted by criminals. For example, "The police responded quickly to the hold up at the convenience store."
3. As an adjective:
Reliable or dependable. For instance, "He is a hold-up guy, always keeping his promises."
In summary, hold up can refer to physically supporting or delaying something, robbery incidents, or imply reliability and dependability. The meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
Common Misspellings for HOLD UP
- jold up
- uold up
- yold up
- hild up
- hkld up
- hlld up
- hpld up
- h0ld up
- h9ld up
- hokd up
- hopd up
- hood up
- hols up
- holx up
- holc up
- holf up
- holr up
- hole up
- holedup
Etymology of HOLD UP
The phrase "hold up" can be traced back to the 17th century, and its etymology is derived from two distinct words with different origins.
1. Hold: The verb "hold" originated from the Old English word "healdan", which means "to grasp, keep, or retain". Over time, it evolved to mean "to bear, support, or maintain". The idea of holding or supporting something is metaphorically applied in various contexts, including the phrase "hold up".
2. Up: The word "up" has its roots in the Old English word "ūp", which signifies a position higher in place or time. It is often used to indicate movement, elevation, or an upward direction. In the context of "hold up", "up" refers to an upright or lifted position.
Idioms with the word HOLD UP
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hold up to
The idiom "hold up to" means to endure or withstand a challenge, criticism, or scrutiny without being affected or weakened. It refers to the ability to remain strong, resilient, or unaffected in the face of adversity or judgment. It can also imply proving one's worth, capabilities, or qualities when subjected to evaluation or comparison.
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hold up as an example
The idiom "hold up as an example" means to present someone or something as a model or standard to be emulated or admired. It involves showcasing a person or thing as a positive example to inspire others or as a warning to discourage certain behavior.
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hold up sb/sth
The idiom "hold up sb/sth" means to support, assist, or lift up someone or something, either physically or metaphorically. It implies providing aid or taking responsibility for someone or something's well-being or progress. It can also refer to delaying or slowing down someone or something's progress or movement.
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hold up (on sm or sth)
The idiom "hold up (on sm or sth)" means to delay or postpone an action or decision, often due to a particular reason or circumstance. It suggests the act of temporarily stopping or putting something on hold until a later time.
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hold up to ridicule
The idiom "hold up to ridicule" means to publicly mock, make fun of, or deride someone or something. It involves subjecting someone or something to laughter, contempt, or criticism by highlighting their flaws, weaknesses, or absurdities.
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hold up to scorn
To "hold up to scorn" means to publicly criticize, ridicule, or mock someone or something. It refers to exposing and condemning someone's actions, behavior, or beliefs in a contemptuous or derisive manner. It involves openly displaying disapproval or disdain for the subject in order to shame or degrade them.
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hold up (on someone or something)
The idiom "hold up (on someone or something)" means to delay or postpone something or someone, usually temporarily, due to various reasons or circumstances. It suggests a pause or a temporary halt in progress, action, or movement.
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hold up
To delay or cause a delay.
Similar spelling words for HOLD UP
- hold fast,
- help,
- hold firm,
- hold open,
- holdup,
- hold on,
- hold over,
- held,
- hold off,
- holder,
- hold out,
- hold,
- held up,
- holdup man,
- hold back,
- holds.
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