hold up
phrasal verbPart ofhold-up
hold up — phrasal verb
1. to stay strong and continue working effectively, especially in difficult or stre
to stay strong and continue working effectively, especially in difficult or stressful conditions
The old wooden footbridge held up surprisingly well during the heavy storm last night.
Mert wondered how much longer his laptop would hold up with the battery failing more each day.
2. to support the weight of someone or something from underneath so they do not fal
to support the weight of someone or something from underneath so they do not fall
The librarian used a stack of old encyclopaedias to hold up the broken leg of the reading table.
Christopher held up the sagging ceiling panel with one hand while his brother screwed in a new bracket.
3. to cause someone or something to arrive late or move more slowly than expected,
to cause someone or something to arrive late or move more slowly than expected, creating a delay
A large fallen tree held up traffic on the motorway for nearly three hours this morning.
Femi's visa application was held up at the embassy because one document was missing from the file.
4. to present someone or something as a good or bad example for others to look at a
to present someone or something as a good or bad example for others to look at and learn from
The geography teacher held up Tariro's project as a model of careful research and clear presentation.
Environmental campaigners often hold up Costa Rica as an example of successful rainforest protection.
5. to rob a bank, shop, or person by threatening them with a weapon, especially a g
to rob a bank, shop, or person by threatening them with a weapon, especially a gun
Two men wearing ski masks held up the convenience store on Elm Street and escaped with the cash register.
The same gang held up three different banks in one week before the police caught them at a petrol station.