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hold up — 4 meanings

One phrase, 4 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb4 meanings
hold up
1delay2support3rob4remain valid (of an argument, theory, etc.)

Meaning 1 · most common

delay

  • hold sb/sth up

To cause someone or something to be late or to slow down.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Sorry I'm late—the traffic really held me up this morning.

A: Why are you so late?
B: There was an accident on the road that held everyone up.

Common mistake

Not: Sorry, I don't want to hold up you.

Say: Sorry, I don't want to hold you up.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'hold you up', not 'hold up you'.

More on “delay”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If public transport is unreliable, it can hold up commuters and make them late for work or school.

Tell it apart

An accident held up the traffic.

  • delayed it

Two men held up the bank.

  • robbed it

Goes with

  • hold up + person/thing
Practice saying this
Next meaning: support

Meaning 2

support

  • hold sth up

To physically support or keep something in position so it does not fall.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The old bridge is held up by strong steel cables.

A: How is that shelf not falling?
B: It's held up by brackets screwed into the wall.

Common mistake

Not: What holds up it?

Say: What holds it up?

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'hold it up'.

More on “support”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Modern buildings are often held up by a steel frame, which makes them stronger and safer.

Tell it apart

These beams hold up the ceiling.

  • support it

The traffic held us up.

  • delayed us

Goes with

  • hold up
Practice saying this
Next meaning: rob

Meaning 3

rob

  • hold sb/sth up
  • informal

To threaten someone, usually with a weapon, in order to steal from them.

How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

The store was held up by two masked men last night.

A: Did you hear about the bank?
B: Yeah, someone tried to hold it up yesterday afternoon.

Common mistake

Not: They held up to the bank.

Say: They held up the bank.

'Hold up + place/person' directly — no 'to'.

More on “rob”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In some cities, small shops are at risk of being held up, especially late at night when there are fewer people around.

Tell it apart

They held up the bank.

  • robbed it at gunpoint

The roadworks held up the bus.

  • delayed it

Goes with

  • hold up + target
Practice saying this
Next meaning: remain valid (of an argument, theory, etc.)

Meaning 4

remain valid (of an argument, theory, etc.)

  • hold up sth

To continue to be true, valid, or convincing when examined closely or tested over time.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Her theory about language acquisition doesn't really hold up under closer scrutiny.

A: Do you think his explanation for the drop in sales holds up?
B: Not really. Once you look at the data, there are too many inconsistencies.

Common mistake

Not: Does this theory hold up to scrutiny?

Say: Does this theory hold up under scrutiny?

'Hold up UNDER scrutiny/pressure' (not 'to scrutiny').

More on “remain valid (of an argument, theory, etc.)”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

While the initial findings appear promising, the methodology does not hold up to rigorous academic analysis.

Tell it apart

The alibi didn't hold up.

  • didn't stand up to testing

The pillars hold up the roof.

  • physically support it

Goes with

  • hold up + under
Practice saying this
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delaysupportrobremain valid (of an argument, theory, etc.)